When the Kamal Haasan-starrer faced hurdles before its release following protests by Muslim groups, the DMK president came out with a statement alleging that Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was harbouring a grudge against Kamal and hence the movie was banned in Tamilnadu (for a period of two weeks).
Jayalalithaa, while refuting the charges, announced that she would file cases against the DMK chief and a few media houses which published his statement, which she said had maligned her on the issue.
Following her announcement, City Public Prosecutor M L Jegan, in his complaint filed in the Principal Sessions Court, referred to Karunanidhi’s remarks on the film and contended that they appeared to be prima facie 'libelous'.
When the case came up for hearing, Principal Sessions Court Judge Pon Kalaiyarasan ordered summons to Karunanidhi, asking him to appear before the Court on 29 April. Summons were also ordered to the editor and publisher of an English daily, which published the DMK president's statement.
Also, the Judge issued summons to Karunanidhi and Murasoli publisher Selvam to appear on the same day, in connection with a case filed by Housing Minister Vaithilingam.
