Court 'expects' action against Adhav Arjuna for 'seditious' tweet

Chennai: Slamming the TVK general secretary of election campaign management, Aadhav Arjuna, for making an ‘inflammatory and seditious' social media post inciting the youths for a ‘Gen Z revolution' like the one that happened in Nepal, Madras high court has directed the state police to take appropriate action based on the FIR filed against him.

This court expects the police to take necessary action," Justice N Senthilkumar said, adding, "It is left to the prosecution to assess the gravity and veracity of the post and take action. The police officials concerned are directed to conduct a serious investigation in their capacity. This court is aware that based on the post, an FIR was registered."

"On a plain reading, the post reflects an inflammatory statement to organise a revolution, and the post further says that such a revolution will happen soon. No doubt the person against whom the petition is filed has a fundamental right to express his views. At the same time, there are reasonable restrictions imposed under Article 19(2) of the Constitution. Such a statement made by Aadhav Arjuna is not only inflammatory but also seditious," Justice N Senthilkumar said.

Earlier, defending the actions of the police, additional advocate-general J Ravindran said, "We have registered an FIR, and we are going ahead with the investigation. My only request is, my lord, at this stage, please do not find fault with us; we are doing our duty."

Refusing to concur, the court said, "Don't give any honey-coated statements, AAG."

The court passed the order on a plea moved by S M Kathiravan of Chennai seeking criminal action against Aadhav Arjuna for his social media post, which was deleted later.