HC bats for freedom of expression, grants interim stay on proceedings against Pa Ranjith

The Madurai bench of Madras High Court on Tuesday granted interim stay on submitting the final report in a case against noted filmmaker Pa Ranjith, who faced charges for his comments on the fate of Dalits during the reign of a Chola dynasty emperor.

Ranjith courted controversy over his comments during a meeting to commemorate the death anniversary of Neela Puligal Iyakkam founder Umar Farooq in Thiruppanandal in Thanjavur district on June 5, 2019.

During his speech, the filmmaker had remarked that Dalits were oppressed during the reign of Rajaraja Chola.  Stating that his comments were based on “historical fact” about the ruler, Ranjith said it was essential to speak out to erase the caste system and bring about a caste-free society. Citing Farook’s book, Ranjith mentioned how Dalits became landless in the Cauvery delta region. These remarks were made only to create awareness, by citing references to various authors’ works. But, his speech was twisted and spread on social media, he added.

Hearing his petition seeking to quash the proceedings, Justice G Elangovan pointed out that everybody has the freedom of speech and expression, and granted interim stay on proceedings. The court then directed the State government to respond and adjourned the case to August 31.