HC quashes proceedings against Karunanidhi

Karnataka HC has quashed further proceedings initiated against Tamil Nadu CM and DMK chief M Karunanidhi on a lower court order in connection with his controversial remarks on Lord Rama made about two years ago.

Karnataka High Court has quashed further proceedings initiated against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief M Karunanidhi on a lower court order in connection with his controversial remarks on Lord Rama made about two years ago.

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Justice Anand Byra Reddy, agreeing with the contentions of the state government that there was no case for initiating action against Karunanidhi, quashed all further proceedings including the investigation against him.

Karnataka Advocate General Uday Holla, appearing for the state, urged the court on Monday that the proceedings against Karunanidhi be dropped.

In the wake of a controversy surrounding the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP) project, Karunanidhi had called Lord Rama an "imaginary character" and said that 'Ramar Sethu' (Adma's bridge) was not man made.

The lower court has in December last year asked the police to "investigate" Karunanidhi's remarks following a complaint by three persons who contended that the DMK chief had "insulted the sentiments of crores of people" through his comments on Lord Rama.

Karnataka government had filed an appeal in the High Court against the lower court's order.