Tamil anthem: Probe under way in pontiff case, TN informs court

Justice M S Ramesh before whom the petition came up for hearing adjourned it for further hearing to February 28.

The petitioner S Doraisamy, vice president, Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, had sought a direction to the Esplanade Police to register a case against the pontiff on his complaint dated January 25. He had contended that during a function at the Music Academy here on January 23, which was presided over by the Governor, the pontiff instead of rising from his seat when the ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ was played, remained seated intending to insult the Tamil anthem. 

Alleging that Vijayendra had committed offence punishable under Section 3 of Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act and section 124-A of Indian Penal Code, the petitioner said Vijayendra’s action is liable to be punished under the above act and sought for a direction to the police to register an FIR on his complaint and investigate it. 

Under Section 124-A of the IPC, whoever brings or attempts to bring hatred or contempt or excites or attempts to excite dissatisfaction towards the government established by law in India shall be punished with imprisonment for life to which a fine may be added.