A KAMARAJ Vs. SECRETARY OF TAMIL NADU LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT TAMIL NADU LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Associate Editor of a Tamil bi-weekly magazine by name "Nakkeeran" has come up with the above Writ Petitions challenging two notices issued by the Privileges Committee of the Tamil Nadu State Legislative Assembly. I have heard Mr. P.T. Perumal, learned Counsel appearing for the Petitioner, Mr. S. Guru Krishna Kumar, learned Additional Advocate General assisted by Mr. S. Venkatesh, learned Government Pleader appearing for the Respondent and Mr. A. Navaneethakrishnan, learned Advocate General appearing as amicus curiae.

(2.) In the issue dated January 7.10.2012 of the said Tamil bi-weekly magazine, an article was published at page No. 5 as a cover story with the front wrapper giving an indication of the story line. In the same issue of the magazine, an article in the form of an interview with the former Deputy Chief Minister of the State also appeared.

(3.) A member of the State Legislative Assembly by name Professor Se. Ku. Tamizharasan submitted a letter dated 17.1.2012 to the Speaker of the Assembly, bringing these articles to his notice and requesting him to take action against the publications for breach of privilege of the Assembly. On the basis of the said letter of request, the Speaker referred the articles in question suo motu to the Privileges Committee.