Thoothukudi, July 22 (IANS) A court in Thoothukudi on Wednesday rejected the bail plea of DMK MLA G.V. Markandeyan, who was arrested for allegedly making defamatory and provocative remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a public meeting in Kovilpatti.
The ruling means the Vilathikulam legislator will continue to remain in judicial custody at the Palayamkottai Central Prison.
The case was registered by the Thoothukudi District Crime Branch after a complaint alleged that Markandeyan made objectionable statements about the Chief Minister while addressing a political gathering in Kovilpatti. Police said the speech contained remarks that were defamatory and capable of disturbing public order, prompting the registration of a criminal case.
Markandeyan was arrested by the District Crime Branch on Tuesday morning and taken to the District Police Office, where he underwent nearly 11 hours of interrogation. Investigators questioned him extensively regarding the contents of the speech, the circumstances under which it was delivered and other aspects of the case before producing him before Judicial Magistrate Court No. I in Thoothukudi.
During the remand proceedings, police sought custody of the MLA for further interrogation, arguing that additional questioning was necessary as part of the ongoing investigation. However, Judicial Magistrate Sumathi declined the request for police custody. Instead, the court ordered that Markandeyan be remanded to 15 days of judicial custody until August 3.
Following the order, he was shifted under police security to the Palayamkottai Central Prison. Subsequently, the MLA moved a bail petition before the Thoothukudi court, seeking his release pending investigation.
The court admitted the petition for hearing and heard arguments from both the prosecution and the defence on Wednesday. The prosecution opposed the plea, maintaining that the investigation was still at a crucial stage and contending that granting bail at this point could adversely affect the probe.
The defence, on the other hand, sought his release, arguing that he was entitled to bail and would cooperate with the investigation.
After hearing both sides, Judicial Magistrate Sumathi dismissed the bail application. With the rejection of his plea, Markandeyan will remain in judicial custody while the District Crime Branch continues its investigation into the case.
–IANS
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