The Madras High Court on Friday directed the police to inquire into a complaint against DMDK leader Vijayakanth for allegedly spitting at journalists at a press meet in Chennai last month and proceed as per law.
Justice R Subbaiah was hearing a petition filed by Devarajan, who claimed to be a journalist, seeking a direction to police to register a case on his complaint against Vijayakanth in this regard.
The judge said after the inquiry and if the"materials gathered indicates commission of offense, police is directed to proceed in accordance with law."
"If no prima facie case is made for registration of a case, respondent police is directed to pass appropriate orders on the complaint of the petitioner," the judge said.
Devarajan prayed for a direction to the DGP, City Police Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner at Mylapore to register a case against Vijayakanth and take action as per law.
He said he had lodged an online complaint on December 28 and sent a copy by speed post to police authorities. But no action was taken till date, he claimed.
Hence, he filed the present petition for a direction to them to register a case on his complaint, hold investigation and punish Vijayakanth. Devarajan had submitted that,``Vijaykanth, an actor-turned-politician, doesn't know how to behave in public. His derogatory words, used in an uncivilised manner and the act of spitting at the journalists are condemnable. He spat at the society. And he is unfit to be the Leader of the Opposition. Vijayakanth wants the media to advertise his films, to win in public elections and to sustain in politics. But he did not know how to show minimum respect for the media."
On December 28 the Chennai police registered a case against Vijayakanth for spitting on journalists during a press meet following a complaint filed by an AIADMK linked lawyer.
On December 27 when reporters asked Vijayakanth if he thought the AIADMK will win the 2016 elections, he said, “No, AIADMK will not win, enough?” and then accosted the reporter asking him why he does not ask the same question to Jayalalithaa, accusing the reporter of being fearful. He went on to ask, “Are you a journalist?” following it up with a strong, resounding “thoo”.