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Synopsis

The Madras High Court on Monday expressed concern over the lack of decency in presenting news and opinions in current times. Court said that though journalists possess the freedom to critique an individual's political ideology, they should refrain from making baseless personal allegations.

The high court made the observation orally while directing Delhi-based journalist Abhijit Majumder to "remove" derogatory comments made in an opinion piece by him against the late social activist and Tamil ideologue Periyar.

The bench of Justice N Anand Venkatesh was hearing a petition filed by Majumder, seeking direction to quash a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Tamil Nadu Police.

The bench noted in the order that in the article published on September 3, 2023, there was a portion that was highly condemnable as a very derogatory statement had been made against Thanthai Periyar without any basis.

The FIR was lodged over the article Majumder wrote in his blog, criticizing TN minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's alleged call to eradicate Sanatana. In the piece, Majumder made comments disparaging Periyar, labeling him as "an intellectual thug" and making controversial claims about his personal life.

During the proceedings, Justice Venkatesh questioned the basis of Majumder's opinions, asking about the materials or research relied upon. Majumder's counsel responded that the comments were based on previously published articles. However, they expressed willingness to delete the objectionable portions.

"If the petitioner makes any amends to the article that was published in the blog, this Court can consider passing further orders in this case," court, therefore, ordered while posting the matter for further hearing on January 23, 2024.

Case Title: ABHIJIT MAJUMDER  VS INSPECTOR OF POLICE AND ANOTHER