Chennai, Mar 27:
The Madras High Court has quashed two criminal cases registered against TTV Dhinakaran, General Secretary of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), following an amicable settlement between the parties involved.
One of the cases dates back to the 2018 Pasumpon Thevar Jayanthi celebrations held in Pasumpon, Ramanathapuram district. During the event, the local unit of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) had put up over 200 flex banners and nearly 1,000 party flags to welcome senior leaders.
A complaint was later filed by district AIADMK Secretary Muniyasamy alleging that the banners and flags were damaged at the instigation of Dhinakaran by AMMK members. Based on this, the Kamuthi Police registered a case, which was pending before the Judicial Magistrate Court in Kamuthi.
The second case pertains to the 2021 Assembly election campaign, when advocate Babu Murugavel accused Dhinakaran of making defamatory remarks against former Chief Minister and a former Law Minister. The Villupuram Taluk Police registered a case based on this complaint.
Dhinakaran approached the Madras High Court seeking to quash both cases. During the hearing, it was informed that the parties had reached a mutual settlement.
The matter was heard by Justice AD Jagadish Chandira, who directed the personal appearance of Dhinakaran and the complainants. Dhinakaran, along with Muniyasamy and Babu Murugavel, appeared before the court and confirmed that the disputes had been amicably resolved.
Recording the compromise, the court allowed the petitions and quashed both criminal proceedings against Dhinakaran.
However, in connection with the vandalism case involving party banners, the court directed Dhinakaran to pay Rs 50,000 as costs to the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority.
The ruling brings closure to both cases, marking the end of legal proceedings following reconciliation between the parties.