Erode: Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman appeared before a court here on Monday in connection with a hate speech case registered against him during the Erode by-election earlier this year.
During the election campaign on February 13, Seeman had said that scheduled caste arunthathiyars, who form a sizable population in Erode ‘were brought to Tamil Nadu by Vijayanagara rulers for scavenging.’
Members of the Bahujan Samaj Party had lodged a complaint against him, on grounds that his remarks amounted to hate speech against a section of people. Following the complaint, the Karungalpalayam police on March 12 booked him under three sections of the IPC, including Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST Act.
The court issued summons to Seeman last week, asking him to appear for the hearing. Fast track mahila court sessions judge R Malathi heard the case as principal district judge (PDJ) B Murugesan was on leave. The judge adjourned the next hearing to October 10.
Speaking to reporters, Seeman alleged that the case was foisted on him with mala fide intentions as similar remarks were made by DMK MP A Raja too. “Police have not registered any case against him,” Seeman said. He further claimed that he had only recalled history in his controversial campaign speech.
During the election campaign on February 13, Seeman had said that scheduled caste arunthathiyars, who form a sizable population in Erode ‘were brought to Tamil Nadu by Vijayanagara rulers for scavenging.’
Members of the Bahujan Samaj Party had lodged a complaint against him, on grounds that his remarks amounted to hate speech against a section of people. Following the complaint, the Karungalpalayam police on March 12 booked him under three sections of the IPC, including Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST Act.
The court issued summons to Seeman last week, asking him to appear for the hearing. Fast track mahila court sessions judge R Malathi heard the case as principal district judge (PDJ) B Murugesan was on leave. The judge adjourned the next hearing to October 10.
Speaking to reporters, Seeman alleged that the case was foisted on him with mala fide intentions as similar remarks were made by DMK MP A Raja too. “Police have not registered any case against him,” Seeman said. He further claimed that he had only recalled history in his controversial campaign speech.
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