DMK president M Karunanidhi today welcomed the Madras High Court order in which it quashed criminal charges against Tamil writer Perumal Murugan, who faced protests over a controversial novel, saying the verdict upholds freedom of expression.
"It is one of those judgements which have to be welcomed," he said answering a set of questions in party mouthpiece 'Murasoli.'
Recalling from the court's observations which had held that a settlement reached at a peace committee meeting was not binding on the writer, Karunanidhi said, "It is welcome that the (court) has made realise the need to safeguard freedom of expression and the freedom to write."
Coming out in support of Murugan, the Madras High Court held that he should not be under fear and be able to advance the canvas of his writings as it directed the state to form an expert body to deal with such matters of conflicts of views.
The court also made it clear that there was no binding force or obligation arising from a so-called settlement arrived at a peace committee meeting held with intervention of state authorities on January 12 last year by which the author was forced to submit an unconditional apology and a quietus given to the issue.
The Tiruchengode-based author who faced protests from Hindutva and caste outfits for his novel 'Madhorubaga' had later announced in a Facebook post that the writer in him was dead.
"Perumal Murugan, the writer is dead. As he is no God, he is not going to resurrect himself. He has no faith in rebirth. As an ordinary teacher, he will live as P Murugan. Leave him alone," he had posted.
In its judgement the Madras High Court had said, "Let the author be resurrected to what he is best at: Write.
