DMK to file Rs 1 crore defamation suit against TVK ministers over Veeramani case

The Madras High Court on Monday permitted the DMK to file a defamation suit seeking Rs 1.01 crore in damages from ministers CTR Nirmal Kumar and Aadhav Arjuna and the TVK’s IT wing over statements allegedly linking the party to the POCSO case against Gem Granites owner Veeramani.Justice K Govindarajan Thilakavadi granted permission on a petition filed by DMK general secretary and former minister Duraimurugan.The DMK alleged that the ministers had claimed in media interviews that its previous government failed to take appropriate action against Veeramani, who has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting minor girls. The party said the TVK’s IT wing had posted similar allegations on X.DMK SEEKS DAMAGES, REMOVAL OF POSTSDuraimurugan’s petition said the statements were contrary to the facts and intended to damage the DMK’s reputation. It stated that a complaint against Veeramani was received on October 6, 2025, and a case was registered the following day. Action was taken without interference or delay, the petition maintained.Besides damages, the DMK sought an injunction restraining the ministers and the TVK’s IT wing from making further allegations against the previous government in connection with the case. It also sought directions to social media companies to remove the posts and videos containing the allegations.MINISTERS QUESTION MAINTAINABILITYDuring the hearing, Advocate General Vijay Narayan, appearing for the ministers, argued that prior notice should have been issued before filing the suit. He contended that the petition was not maintainable without such notice.Senior counsel J Ravindran, appearing for the DMK, submitted that the two had been named in their individual capacities, rather than in their official roles as ministers.The judge had reserved orders after hearing the arguments. Monday’s order permits the DMK to file the suit; it does not decide whether the statements were defamatory or award damages.- Ends