Madras HC reserves order on Pazha Nedumaran's plea to return books

The Madras High Court has reserved orders on a plea from Tamil Nationalist Movement leader Pazha Nedumaran, seeking return of his books, allegedly seized by police for his support to Tamil Eelam (separate tamil state).

Justice M V Muralidharan had last week heard an appeal by Nedumaran against the order of the Additional Sesssions Judge, refusing to return the books.

Nedumaran was arrested in 2002 for publishing books in support of Tamil Elam and the books were confiscated by the state government.

A case was registered and a chargesheet was filed in Septemebr 7, 2005.

In the meantime, the state government passed two Government Orders, withdrawing the criminal cases filed against Nedumaran in this connection.

The ASJ acquitted Nedumaran from the case, as the G.Os had already been withdrawn.

Stating that no purpose would be served in keeping the books in the custody of police who seized it, Neduraman filed a petition before the ASJ to release the books.

The ASJ dismissed the petition on March 2 2007, saying if the books were circulated supporting Tamil Elam,it would cause great injury in the minds of readers and peace and tranquility of the public would be disturbed and dismissed the petition.

Against this, Nedumaran moved the High Court. The case came up before Justice Muralidharan last week.

Advocate General Vijay Narayan submitted a copy of Nedumaran's book to the Judge and submitted that it contains various allegations against the Indian Army and former Prime Minister, the late Rajiv Gandhi and said that the confiscated books shall not be returned.

After the arguments Judge reserved the orders.