Chennai: Pointing out the submissions of senior counsel for Dinakaran and Tamil Murasu, that the publisher would produce material to substantiate the correctness of the statements made in the two Tamil newspapers, the Madras high court has declined to pass a blanket order of injunction restraining them from publishing any news about finance minister O. Paneerselvam.
“Senior counsel A.R.L.Sundaresan for the newspapers submitted the publisher would produce material to substantiate the correctness of the statements made in two newspapers. Since such a stand was taken, it would not be proper to pass a blanket order of injunction”, said Justice K. K. Sasidharan.
The judge was passing orders on an application arising out of a suit filed by Paneerselvam to restrain Dinakaran and Tamil Murasu from publishing any defamatory, derogatory, imaginary or unconfirmed news articles against him.
The judge, however, recorded Sundaresan’s submission the two newspapers would not publish any news item about the applicant without verifying its authenticity and correctness.
The judge posted for April 11, further hearing of the application along with an application filed by Kanimozhi, daughter of DMK president M. Karunanidhi against Kumudam publications.
Paneerselvam filed the present suit and application stating that M/s Kal publications, which was part of Sun group of companies, promoted by Maran brothers, was close to the family of Karunanidhi. They had published a series of defamatory articles and news items to tarnish his image out of political vengeance.
Senior counsel R. Muthukumarasamy, appearing for the applicant, contended that the two newspapers published defamatory articles making imputations against the applicant to tarnish his image. They went to the extent of stating that the applicant, along with four others, formed a coterie to act against the Chief Minister.
The judge said the core question was whether the newspapers should be restrained from publishing articles and news items which according to the applicant were defamatory in nature. Kanimozhi had filed a suit against Kumudam Publications claiming damages and to restrain it from publishing defamatory news items about her. A single judge had granted interim injunction.
