MDMK functionary granted bail

Chennai, Oct 6 (UNI) Madras High Court today granted bail to MDMK Propaganda Secretary Nanjil Sampath, who was arrested in connection with a case registered against him for making 'derogatory remarks' against a DMK woman functionary.

Justice A C Arumugaperumal Adityan granted bail on condition that Mr Sampath should execute a personal bond of Rs 5000 without furnishing surety and should appear before the 23rd Metropolitan Magistrate court, Saidapet, daily at 1030 hrs on all working days for one month.

In his order, the Judge said Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) N R Ilango had submitted that the petitioner, without moving the trial court for bail, had straight away rushed to this court.

The APP further said the words uttered by Mr Sampath were serious in nature, atracting offence under Section 354 of the IPC and Section 4 of Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Women Harassment Act.

Senior Counsel R Gandhi, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that when Mr Sampath was produced before the Magistrate for remand, he had presented an application for bail. However, the Magistrate, instead of ordering notice, had simply ordered a hearing on October nine, which necessitated the petitioner to move this court.

Mr Gandhi also undertook to withdraw the bail application filed before the trial court forthwith.

The Judge said if the offences were proved the petitioner was liable to be punished. But, that was not a factor to grant bail.

''In such circumstances, I am of the view that the petitioner can be released on bail,'' the Judge added.

Mr Gandhi represented that the petitioner could not furnish surety before the trial court today because of holiday.

Mr Sampath was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against DMK functionary Mrs Vijaya Thayanbhan.

He had made the remarks at a public meeting held in the city recently. Based on a complaint from Mrs Thayanban, police registered a case and arrested him.

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