Tamil Nadu: BJP Leader H Raja Sentenced To Six Months For Derogatory Remarks Against EVR And Kanimozhi By Chennai Court

A special court in Chennai on Monday (2 December) sentenced H Raja, the BJP Tamil Nadu Coordination Committee President, to six months in prison for defamation over derogatory comments made against socialist ideologue E V Ramasamy Naicker and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Kanimozhi.

The case stemmed from complaints filed by members of the DMK and Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, who accused Raja of posting offensive remarks on his X handle against E V Ramasamy Naicker in 2018 following the dismantling of a Lenin statue in Tripura.

In the second case, Raja was convicted for derogatory remarks about Kanimozhi, daughter of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, made in 2018. The court found Raja guilty of using offensive language intended to insult and provoke a breach of peace.

Raja was also convicted under relevant sections for insulting the modesty of a woman, provocation with intent to cause a riot and intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace.

Special Judge G Jayavel, sentenced Raja, to six months' simple imprisonment in both cases. In addition, he was imposed with a total fine of Rs 5,000. The judge also granted a 30-day suspension of the sentence, allowing Raja to file an appeal. “The message... has all the potential to disturb communal harmony and peace and may also lead to violence and rioting,” said Judge Jayavel.

In 2023, Raja approached the Madras High Court to have the FIR quashed, arguing that the case lacked merit. However, Justice N Anand Venkatesh dismissed his petition, stating that the defamation charges were based on factual allegations, and Raja must face trial. The Supreme Court later upheld the High Court’s decision, leading to the trial and subsequent conviction.

Following the verdict, Raja told reporters that his legal team would challenge the court's decision.