Chennai, June 30:
The DMK on Monday accused the TVK government of failing to effectively defend Tamil Nadu’s policy on reservation for converted Muslims before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, leading to a legal setback.
Referring to the court’s order quashing the State government notification that allowed converted Muslims to obtain Backward Class certificates under certain conditions, DMK Minority Wing secretary A. Subair Khan said the verdict had dealt a blow to the principles of social justice.
In a statement, Subair Khan alleged that the government failed to present crucial materials before the court, including the historical background, recommendations of the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission, and legal justifications supporting the policy. He stressed that when a Government Order is challenged, it is the State’s responsibility to submit all relevant records and arguments.
He further argued that religious conversion may change a person’s identity but does not erase the social and educational disadvantages faced by members of backward communities. “Socio-economic backwardness does not disappear merely because a person changes religion. The government failed to establish this key principle before the High Court,” he said.
Meanwhile, DMK president M. K. Stalin accused the TVK government of attempting to suppress the Opposition through arrests, criminal cases, and investigative actions.
Citing the arrest of DMK cadre during protests, cases filed against former minister S. S. Sivasankar, and DVAC searches at the residence of former minister E. V. Velu, Stalin alleged that the ruling dispensation was trying to create a “false image” instead of responding to criticism.
“A government that seeks to build a false image by threatening the Opposition and refusing to answer questions from the media cannot sustain itself,” he said, adding that “the arrogance of those who misuse power will eventually come to an end.”