Defamation case : Vaiko appears before court

Chennai, Mar 2 (UNI) MDMK General Secretary Vaiko today appeared before a Sessions Court in connection with a defamation case filed against him by the Tamil Nadu government for his alleged defamatory remarks against Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

Principal Sessions Judge V Periakaruppiah, before whom Mr Vaiko appeared, adjourned further hearing in the case to April 19.

Mr Vaiko, in the aftermath of two senior leaders -- L Ganesan and Gingee Ramachandran -- raising a banner of revolt, had on December 24 last alleged that Mr Karunanidhi was trying to divide the MDMK and stall the General council meeting of the party in connivance with the police.

In his defamation complaint on Decemebr 28, City Public Prosecutor M Shahjahan had said that contrary to the fact and in order to tarnish the image of the Chief Minister, Mr Vaiko had made the statement. He also sought punishment for Mr Vaiko under Sec 500 of the IPC.

The Judge took the defamation complaint on file on January three and ordered issuance of summons to Mr Vaiko for his appearance before the court today.

UNI