Thanga Tamilselvan tenders unconditional apology to AG

One of the 18 disqualified AIADMK MLAs today tendered an unconditional apology to the Advocate-General for his statements criticising the judiciary in connection with the disqualification case.

An affidavit was filed on behalf of Thanga amilselvan, a supporter of sidelined AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran, through his counsel K R Tamilmani before Advocate General Vijay Narayan.

The issue pertains to contempt complaints filed by Advocate Srimathi and others against Tamilselvan for his comments against the then Chief Justice and his criticisms against the judiciary following the split verdict given by the court in the disqualification case.

Taking cognisance of the complaints, the advocate-general issued show cause notice against Tamilselvam as to why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him.

On July 10, Tamilselvan appeared before the AG and sought six weeks time to file his reply.

In his counter, Tamilselvan submitted that late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa had never criticised the judiciary even when the court convicted her in the disproportionate assets case.

"Being an ardent follower of the leader, I now have realised that criticising the judiciary is wrong. I tender my unconditional apology for my actions and statements," he said.

However, as the complainants sought time to decide whether to proceed with the complaint or not, the AG adjourned the hearing to September 27.

Before the court takes note of a contempt plea, the AG has to give his consent that it is a fit case for contempt proceedings.