MDMK chief Vaiko acquitted in sedition case

Delivering the verdict, III Additional Sessions Judge Arul Murugan acquitted the Mr Vaiko on the ground that the prosecution has failed to prove the case beyond any reasonable doubt.

Mr Vaiko was present at the court when the verdict was delivered. MDMK workers celebrated his acquittal by bursting crackers and distributing sweets.

It may be recalled that the 'Q' Branch wing of the Tamil Nadu police had registered a case against the firebrand MDMK leader for his fiery speech at a meeting on the topic "Eezhathil Nadapathenna" (What is happening in Eelam?) held at Raja Annamalai Mandram in the city on October 21, 2008. 

Police also slapped sedition charges on him for speaking in support of the banned LTTE during the meeting. 

The chargesheet was filed against Mr Vaiko for offences under section 124-A (sedition) of IPC and under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act before the George Town Magistrate court.

The case was later committed to the court of sessions and Principal Sessions Judge P Devadoss who had posted the matter before III Additional Sessions Judge.

Nearly six years after the charges were framed against Vaiko, the Judge today passed the verdict acquitting him from the case.