DMK Legislators Bail Plea to be Heard by Madras High Court Following Threat to CM

Chennai, July 28: The Madras High Court will hear the bail application of DMK legislator G.V. Markandeyan from Vilathikulam on Tuesday. He was arrested for allegedly threatening Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a public meeting in Thoothukudi district.

This case is linked to a speech Markandeyan delivered at a public gathering in Kovilpatti, held to thank voters after the recent assembly elections. The Thoothukudi district crime branch filed a case against him, claiming his remarks amounted to a threat to the Chief Minister and posed a risk to public order.

Following his arrest, Markandeyan applied for bail in the Thoothukudi district court, but his plea was rejected, prompting him to approach the Madras High Court.

When the petition came before Justice Ilanthirayan, the legislator’s lawyer argued that the speech was a response to the Chief Minister’s alleged comment about “closing the doors of the assembly.” The defense contended that the speech was part of legitimate political criticism and did not constitute a criminal threat or incitement to violence.

The petitioner further argued that the arrest violated constitutional safeguards and claimed that the police failed to inform him of the reasons for his arrest. The defense also challenged the judicial remand order from the Thoothukudi court, asserting that the legal procedures were not followed during the arrest.

According to the defense, the police did not conduct any preliminary investigation or issue a notice for questioning before detaining the legislator. The alleged incident occurred on July 18, with a complaint filed around midnight on July 19. An FIR was registered on the morning of July 20, and Markandeyan was arrested later that same day.

The petitioner maintains that his speech was not intended to incite violence or disrupt law and order. The previous hearing did not conclude, leading Justice Ilanthirayan to adjourn the case for further arguments. The court is expected to listen to additional arguments before deciding whether to grant bail or reject the petition.