S.VARADAN Vs. VASU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition has been filed to quash the private complaint filed for the offences under Ss. 500 and 501 of the Indian Penal Code.

(2.) The petitioner is the third accused in this case. The private complaint has been filed by the respondent on the ground that, the petitioner, being an Editor -cum- Publisher of one Kalaikadir Daily Newspaper, has published a defamatory imputation that, A-1 and A-2 in this case have given a complaint against the respondent/complainant before the District Collector, Trichy, that the respondent is conducting a Kangaroo Court and also threatening the employees of the Panchayat Union including A-1 and A-2, who are the President and Vice President of the Panchayat Union. According to the respondent, the publication of the news item harmed the reputation of the respondent. Hence, he has filed the private complaint and the learned Judicial Magistrate, Musiri, has taken cognizance of the offence and issued summons.

(3.) Earlier, notice was ordered to the respondent, notice was also served on him and his name was also printed in the cause-list, but, none appeared on his behalf. Hence, this Court appointed one Mr.V.Sasikumar, Advocate, as Legal Aid Counsel for the respondent.