Madras High Court bench stayed the trial proceedings against PMK MLA J Guru and Managing Director of Makkal TV pending before a Magistrate court in Kumbakonam for alleged defaming a Dalit community.
Justice G M Akbarali passed the interim order admitting the petition by Guru, state President of Vanniyar Sangam, and the Makkal TV.
The petitioners submitted that the case was filed against them on a private complaint by a Kumbakonam-based advocate for carrying the interview on December 16 by Guru on wedding and repressive laws.
The complaint was abuse of process of law and filed with the malafide intention, Guru contended, adding it had been filed for political reasons.
He said in his interview he never defamed the reputation of Dalits and the case had been filed only to harass him. He had also given a statement that the intention of the interview was not to harm any community.
The complaint was totally misconceived and misuse of powers provided under Criminal Procedure code, he contended and sought its quashing.