Petitions filed against ‘Desiya Thalaivar’ film

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court sought a response from the Center and the State authorities to a public interest litigation petition filed against the upcoming film, ‘Desiya Thalaivar’, a biopic of late leader U. Muthuramalinga Thevar.

A Division Bench of Justices Anita Sumanth and C. Kumarappan was hearing the petition filed by M. Chakkaravarthy, president of the Devendrar Panpattu Kazhagam and a resident of Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district.

Mr. Chakkaravarthy said there was every possibility that the film would destroy the social fabric and create disharmony between various communities that were already not in a cordial relationship. The petitioner sought a direction to the authorities to cancel the film’s censorship certificate.

The court posted the matter for hearing on October 28.

Meanwhile, advocate C. Selvakumar of Madurai has also filed a petition against the film.

In his petition, he said the release of the film may create serious law-and-order problems and disturb public tranquillity.

He sought a direction to restrain the authorities from releasing or permitting the release of the film. He also sought directions for the constitution of a special committee, under the chairmanship of a retired High Court judge, to review the film before its public exhibition.