HC dispenses with Ramadoss' appearance in defamation case

Madras High Court today dispensed with the appearance of PMK founder leader Dr S Ramadoss in a criminal defamation case filed against him by the Tamil Nadu government in a court in Ariyalur.

Passing interim orders on a petition by Ramadoss seeking to quash the defamation case filed in the court of Principal District and Sessions Judge in Ariyalur, Justice P Devadoss also issued notice to the Public Prosecutor.

Ramadoss also sought a stay on the proceedings.

Public Prosecutor of Ariyalur filed the defamation complaint alleging that the speech made by Ramadoss at a public meeting in the town on February 7 last, amounted to defaming Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in discharging her official duty.
 

He prayed the court to initiate criminal proceedings against Ramadoss under IPC section 500 (defamation).