The Madras High Court has transferred a defamation case filed by DMK’s R.S. Bharathi against AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) to a master court for witness examination.Palaniswami had alleged that since the DMK government assumed office, Tamil Nadu has faced a breakdown of law and order and has become a hub for drug trafficking. He further claimed that a drug mafia led by one Jaffer Sadiq had been allowed to operate with the DMK’s endorsement. These statements were shared on social media, sparking controversy.
DMK’s Defamation Case
In response, R.S. Bharathi, a DMK organizing secretary, filed a defamation suit against Palaniswami in the Madras High Court.
The petition sought:
A compensation of ₹1 crore for making defamatory statements aimed at tarnishing the DMK’s reputation.
A court order restraining Palaniswami from making any future statements linking the DMK to drug-related activities.
Defense by Palaniswami
In his response, Palaniswami argued:
The individual accused of drug trafficking, Jaffer Sadiq, was a member of the DMK.
The DMK itself had removed him from the party following the allegations.
His statements were made in the interest of public welfare, not for political gain.
During the latest hearing before Justice G. Jayachandran, it was decided that the case would be transferred to a master court for the recording of witness testimony. The court has directed the next steps to proceed accordingly.
This case highlights the growing tension between Tamil Nadu’s leading political parties, with allegations and counter-allegations becoming a focal point of their political discourse. The witness examination in the master court is expected to shed more light on the claims and counterclaims made by both parties.