SC stays criminal proceedings against Khushboo

New Delhi, May 15 (UNI) The Supreme Court today stayed till further orders criminal proceedings against South Indian film actress S Khusboo, pending in a Tamil Nadu district court in connection with her interview to news magazine India Today, expressing her views on pre-marital sex.

A bench comprising Chief Justices KG Blakrishnan and Justice MK Sharma also issued notices to the complainant Kanniammal.

Ms Khushboo in her petition had alleged that 23 false cases have been filed against her by vested interests with the soul aim of getting political mileage and publicity by harassing her.

The actress during a survey by India Today in September 2005 had said that Indian girls in metropolitan cities were gradually coming out of their shells to express openly and boldly there sexual desires.

The petitioner has also said that sexology should be taught either in schools or by the parents. The interview was also published in Dhina Thanthi, Tamil publication of India Today group.

Ms Khushboo had appealed to the Supreme Court against the order of Madras High Court dated April 30, 2008 dismissing her petition for quashing of the criminal proceedings pending in the court of Chief Juducial Magistrate, Chennai.

According to the petitioner the complainant has no locus standi to file the complaint as he is not an aggrieved party and her right to freedom of speech cannot be restricted by filing such complaints.

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