HC questions motive of director Ranjith’s critique of Raja Raja Chola

The director had recently made controversial speech criticising Chola emperor Raja Rajan at a public meeting in Thanjavur. Tiruppanandal police booked a case against Ranjith under Sections 153 and 153 (A) (1) (a) of IPC based on a complaint lodged by Hindu Makkal Katchi leader Bala.

When the plea came up for hearing before Justice Rajamanickam, the Justice asked why should the director criticise the Chola emperor, who was praised by many.

On hearing the petitions, the Justice said even now government was acquiring lands if required and land owners were compensated. Moreover, Devadasi system was abolished several years ago, but why the petitioner should talk all about this now, the Justice asked. While there were several issues to discuss, the Justice queried why should the petitioner talk against the late emperor?

After objecting to the bail, the government counsel said the petitioner would not be arrested as of now. The case was adjourned to June 19.

The director’s speech at the public meeting in Tiruppanandal on June 5 sparked controversy among various people, after he said caste Dalits turned landless people in the Delta region during the emperor’s reign, which he said was not a ‘golden period’ as cited in history, but a ‘dark period’ for the depressed. The director also took a dig at the Devadasi system and said it was introduced during the regime of Raja Rajan.

The petitioner said it was only to create awareness about possession of lands citing references to books by various authors, he spoke during the meeting.