Chennai:
DMDK founder Vijaykanth has moved a local court, seeking exemption from personal appearance during the trial of the defamation case filed against him.
City Public Prosecutor M L Jegan had filed a defamation case on government's behalf on August 14 against Vijayakant, alleging that his comments on her stay in Kodanadu in Nilgiris district was per se defamatory.
The Public Prosecutor has sought to punish Vijayakant for offences under Sections 500 (Defamation) and 501 (Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Vijayakant submitted he was committed to the people in Rishivandhiyam, from where he had been elected. Since he is also leader of the Opposition, it would not be possible for him to appear before the court for every hearing, he said.
He prayed for exemption under Sections 317 and 205 of the Criminal Procedure Code and that his counsel be permitted to represent him.
Principal Sessions Judge P Kalaiarasan then adjourned the matter for further hearing to January 9, 2013.