HC seeks recordings of Stalin’s reference to Kodanad murder

When the plea moved by the City public prosecutor (CPP) came up for hearing on Thursday, Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan wondered aloud as to why he was raising the issue repeatedly while he was already facing prosecution for defamation in this regard. Moreover, with trial in the Kodanad case pending, such utterances would amount to interfering with the administration of justice, the judge held. He directed the SPP to submit the recordings on April 8.

While the CPP filed two petitions, one to restrain Stalin from making any speech pertaining to Kodanad murder case and another to vacate the interim stay granted by the court on the defamation proceedings against Stalin, Justice Ilanthiraiyan said, “We will vacate the stay which was offered on technical grounds. You face the prosecution.”

SPP A Natarajan produced a transcript of a conversation between Sayyan and Manoj, accused in the Kodanad watchman murder case, to claim that the duo had hatched a conspiracy to implicate the Chief Minister in the murder case. One Mathew Samuel released their interview and documentary. Subsequently, the bail granted to Sayyan and Manoj was cancelled. It was also confirmed by the High Court.

While so, Stalin in his election campaign was continuously making speeches linking the Chief Minister with the Kodanad watchman murder case in the guise of stating that it was Mathew Samuel’s version.

Stalin’s counsel P Kumaresan submitted that a petition seeking a similar relief was dismissed by a division bench of the court on April 1, and pointed out that the CPP has filed the present petition for the same relief.

Stalin had earlier filed a petition challenging the defamation proceedings, contending that the CPP has no authority to file defamation case. The High Court had then granted interim stay on the defamation proceedings. The CPP cannot step into the shoes of the government, he had argued.