HC grants anticipatory bail to Premlatha

The Madras High Court today granted anticipatory bail to Premlatha, wife ofactor-turned- politician Vijayakant and founder president of DMDK, in connection with a defamation case.
Granting the anticipatory bail, Justice S Vaidyanathan said, "on a perusal of the script of the speech by the petitioner, produced by the learned Public Prosecutor appearing for the state, it is seen that pages 13 and 14 of the script contain unwarranted statements against the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Ministers and Election Commission and whether it is defamatory or not has to be decided by the appropriate forum."
"Therefore, considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court is of the view that custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not necessary. Hence this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to this petitioner", the judge said.

Apprehending arrest by Tiruppur police for the alleged offences punishable under IPC sections, including 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), Premlatha had filed petition seeking anticipatory bail.
The prosecution case was that Premlatha during an election speech at Tirupur on April 1, had made defamatory allegations against Jayalalithaa, ministers and the Election Commission.
The judge directed her to appear within a period of 15 days from the date of receipt of a copy of the order, before Judicial Magistrate, Tiruppur and execute a bond for a sum of Rs 10,000 with two sureties each for a like sum.

The Judge also directed her to report before the Inspector of Police, Virugambakkam Police Station, Chennai, daily at 10.30 am for two weeks and thereafter as and when required for interrogation.