CHENNAI: Eight years after registering a sedition case against MDMK general secretary Vaiko, the III additional sessions court, Chennai, has acquitted him of the charges. The judge said the prosecution failed to prove the charges against Vaiko. According to prosecution, addressing a public indoor meeting “Elangaiyil Nadappathu Enna?”, in October 2008 Vaiko spoke against the Central government for aiding Sri Lanka in its efforts to wipe out Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Vaiko spoke allegedly infringing Indian sovereignty and in support of the LTTE, fighting for an independent Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka, during the final stages of the civil war between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan Army. The ‘Q’ Branch police filed a case of against Vaiko under sedition law. During the trial, earlier, Vaiko had submitted that he addressed the indoor meeting, however, he had only spoken about the plight of Tamils, and their ordeal in Sri Lanka and not against Indian sovereignty.
While prosecution witnesses, mostly policemen stuck to their stand, several others had turned hostile. Vaiko’s speech copy in a CD form and its transcripts were submitted to the court as an important evidence. A large contingent of policemen was deployed on the court premises. When the matter came up for hearing in the packed court hall in the afternoon, the III additional sessions judge has acquitted Vaiko from the charges.
The judge said, “finally, no charges against the accused under Section 124 A of IPC (Sedition) and 13 (1) (b) of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (supporting unlawful activity) are proved.” Hence, this court acquits the accused.” the judge said. Immediately, Vaiko was greeted by his supporters and his lawyers on the acquittal. His supporters also burst firecrackers outside the court premises.
