HC orders transfer of suit against Singhala film

Chennai, Jun 17: Madras High Court has ordered transfer of the suit filed by Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan, against a Sinhala film, 'Prabakaran,' from First Assistant Judge, City Civil Court here to another court.

Mr Thirumavalavan had filed the suit stating that the movie was malicious and contained 'treacherous allegations' to defame Tamils in Sri Lanka and their struggle against the Sinhalese. If the film were allowed to be screened, it would leave a blot on the history of Tamil society.

The court had earlier granted an interim injunction against Gemini Colour Laboratory from releasing the film material entrusted to it for processing.

The VCK leader moved Madras High Court seeking transfer of the suit stating that the trial court hastily advanced the hearing on the injunction application without notice to the respondents in general, and the colour laboratory in particular. Such a hearing would not instil belief and confidence in the petitioner that he would get a fair hearing and justice.

Justice S Rajeswaran had earlier ordered notice of motion and interim stay of the trial court's order advancing the hearing.

The Judge yesteray, directed the registry to place the case before the Principal Judge (PJ), City Civil Court, Chennai, immediately, to enable the PJ to transfer it to some other Assistant Judge in the City Civil Court, for hearing on June 23.

UNI