In a judgment that shocked many fans across the country, a Madras HC Judge declared that Film star Suriya Sivakumar should face contempt charges on his comments regarding the alleged suicide of the recently deceased medical aspirants. However, in a turn of events, it seems as if the judge declared his verdict after reading an incorrect translation of the Actor’s statement.
The medical aspirants in question were preparing to appear for the National Eligibility cun Entrance Test, NEET. These four students from Tamil Nadu committed suicide and subsequently died.
In his letter, Suriya wrote, “The suicide of three students, who were scared about NEET, in a single day shakes my conscience. There is nothing worse than conveying condolences to the students who are going to write the exam, instead of wishing them good luck. Even at a time when there is a threat to life due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is painful that the students are forced to prove their eligibility by writing a test.”
While Suriya’s letter struck the chords of fans everywhere, Madras HC Hon’ble Judge SM Subraniam held the actor in court and said, “The said statement in my considered opinion amounts to contempt of court as the integrity and devotion of the Hon'ble Judges as well as the Judicial System of our Great Nation are not only undermined but criticized in a bad shape, wherein there is a threat for the public confidence on the Judiciary ”. He wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of the Madras HC conveying the same.
In retaliation, sex former Madras HC Judges wrote to the Chie Justice of the Madras wherein they urged him to not take contempt action. In the letter, they wrote, “When four students have committed suicide unable to meet NEET requirement in a surcharged atmosphere, an artistic person’s overreaction should not be taken seriously and out of context”.
They also urged the Chief Justice to take the comments into totality and to consider the social work done by the actor. They believed that through the actor, several poor students have gotten education and placement. Thus, the former judges pleaded the court to show “generosity and magnanimity in leaving the matter without cognizance”
The former judges also stated that they wrote the letter to safeguard the prestige and honor of the court. Through their appeal, they believed that the court could get “rid of unnecessary controversies”
