Anticipatory bail for Ranjith in Chola case

Justice P Rajamanickam granted anticipatory bail to him on the condition that he should not make such remarks in future. As the petitioner is a well-known film director, custodial interrogation is not required, the judge observed.

On June 5, the director, while addressing a meeting organised by Blue Panthers Party at Thiruppanandal said that the period of Rajaraja Cholan, who ruled Thanjavur, was a dark one, though many claimed that it was a golden age.

“Lands were taken away from Dalits during his reign and the caste oppression also started during his rule,” he further said.

‘’The biggest irony was that 400 women were converted into Devadasis and they were kept in a building called Mangala Vilas. The devadasi practice commenced only during the era of Rajarajan,” he stated. His remarks against the Chola emperor triggered widespread condemnation from various quarters. The Tiruppanandal police booked a case against him under Sections 153 and 153 (A) (1) (a) of the IPC based on a complaint lodged by Hindu Makkal Katchi leader Bala.

Following this, Ranjith moved the Madras HC bench seeking anticipatory bail stating that he had no intention to incite enmity between two groups.