Madras HC grants leave to EPS to file defamation suit

CHENNAI: The Madras high court on Tuesday granted leave to former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to move a civil defamation suit against Kodanad heist and murder case prime accused Kanagaraj’s brother, Dhanabal, for making statements linking him with the crime.

Justice R N Manjula granted the leave while allowing a memo moved by the former chief minister.

EPS wanted the court to issue an injunction restraining Dhanabal from making statements linking him in the crime. He further wanted the court to direct Dhanabal to pay ₹1.10 crore as damages for tarnishing his image among the public.

EPS said that since elections to the Lok Sabha are nearing his political rivals are pushing Dhanabal to make defamatory comments against him, linking him to the Kodanad case. He further claimed that this is an agenda-driven plan to defame his political rise as general secretary of AIADMK.

The interviews given by Dhanabal contain scandalous, false accusations and allegations particularly with respect to the Kodanad case which has been under investigation and pending trial, EPS said.

Kodanad case: Dhanapal hospitalised with chest pain

C Dhanapal, the brother of Kanagaraj, who was a driver for former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, was admitted to the hospital for chest pain. Dhanapal had recently appeared before the CB-CID in connection with the Kodanad heist cum murder case. He had previously been arrested in a land grabbing case and had undergone angioplasty for a blockage. Dhanapal claimed that over 50 people, including prominent figures from the AIADMK and police personnel, were involved in the Kodanad case.

Delhi court grants wrestler Bajrang Punia exemption from personal appearance in defamation case

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Jaisinghani granted bail but not released as one case pending

Anil Jaisinghani, an alleged bookie accused of extortion and bribery, has been granted bail by a special trial court in Mumbai. Jaisinghani and his daughter were booked for threatening to release audio and video clips involving the wife of the deputy Chief Minister. The court ordered Jaisinghani to attend daily court hearings, surrender his passport, and not threaten any prosecution witnesses. His daughter was previously granted bail in the case.