MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court dismissed as “non-maintainable” a petition seeking to ban Tamil Nadu’s social respect movement outfit Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) and its offshoot Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (TPDK) for making provocative remarks on Brahmins.
A Sivakasi-based lawyer V Karthikeyan had sought a ban on the outfits, accusing them of indulging in anti-Brahmin propaganda.
A bench comprising Justices V Ramasubramanian and V M Velumani however observed that criticisms which are fair and proper are always to be welcomed and not to be opposed. The judges said that unfair criticism can be either ignored or one could seek post facto action against the individual concerned.
The judges said that if something falls beyond the realm of criticism, and could turn an abuse, one could act like Gauthama Buddha. “When so many ways, methods are available, it is not possible for the Court to exercise its powers under Article 226 of Indian Constitution. Criticism, as we have said earlier, for some becomes the fundamental right of Freedom of Speech and Expression,” they said.
“For some, it can even be a trade or business. Both of them are protected by the Constitution of India,” the bench said and dismissed the petition.