Anticipatory bail granted to Murugadoss

Justice GK Ilanthirayan while allowing the anticipatory bail application moved by Murugadoss granted the relief along with a direction to appear before the investigating officer whenever summoned.

When the movie was released, AIADMK members on taking exception to the scenes that criticised the freebie policy with a veiled reference to former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, took to the streets to prevent the screening of the movie in certain places.

While a few ministers stated that Murugadoss would be arrested on sedition charges for criticising the government, Murugadoss moved the High Court seeking anticipatory bail on the basis that it affected his right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution.

Interestingly, during the hearing, the State prosecutor submitted that they would not oppose the anticipatory bail plea if the director offered an undertaking that he would not criticise the government in any of his future movies.

However, with Murugadoss refusing to offer any such undertaking, the police officers from Central Crime Branch booked him under various sections relating to promoting enmity against the government on a complaint made by one Devarajan.

But when the plea came up for hearing, the Judge conceded with the movie director’s contention relating to freedom of speech, and granted him the anticipatory bail.