supreme-court-extends-stay-on-trial-proceedings-involving-tamil-nadu-bjp-chief-annamalai

The Supreme Court has prolonged the halt on trial proceedings in a hate speech case involving Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai. Allegations of delivering a hate speech against Christians in October 2022 prompted the legal action.

 

Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta have extended the stay, urging the complainant to respond within six weeks. The case is scheduled for re-listing in the week starting September 9.

 

Previously, on February 26, the Supreme Court suspended the proceedings in the criminal case against Annamalai. The complainant, V Piyush, accused Annamalai of delivering inflammatory remarks against Christians during an interview on October 22, 2022, concerning Diwali celebrations.

 

Annamalai contested a February 8 Madras High Court decision that declined to dismiss the summons issued to him in response to Piyush’s complaint.

 

These summonses stemmed from statements made by Annamalai during a YouTube interview, alleging the involvement of an internationally funded Christian missionary NGO in undermining Hindu culture by litigating against Diwali firecrackers.

 

Annamalai's defence emphasises that his comments were expressions of frustration rather than attempts to incite communal disharmony. He also pointed out the delayed filing of the complaint, which occurred approximately 400 days after the interview, without any related incidents during that time.

 

The High Court's perspective underscores the potential psychological impact of hate speech, particularly when articulated by influential figures. Recognizing Annamalai's stature as a prominent leader, the court emphasised the weight carried by his words and their potential psychological repercussions on the targeted community.