Fri Nov 21 16:05:35 UTC 2025: News Article:
Madras High Court Quashes FIR Against TVK Leader for Allegedly Inflammatory Tweet
CHENNAI – The Madras High Court today quashed a First Information Report (FIR) against Aadhav Arjuna, a leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, for an allegedly inflammatory tweet. The tweet insinuated a potential revolt against the Tamil Nadu government by youngsters and Gen Z, drawing parallels to situations in Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Justice A.D. Jagadish Chandira ruled that the tweet did not constitute hate speech or incite violence. He emphasized that it primarily expressed political dissent and reflected public discontent, particularly in light of a recent tragic stampede during a TVK campaign event that resulted in 41 deaths.
The judge agreed with senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Arjuna, that the tweet did not promote hatred or hostility against any specific group. Instead, it was deemed a permissible expression of freedom of speech under the Constitution, even with elements of provocation.
The court rejected the prosecution’s argument, which cited a previous case involving actor S.Ve. Shekher, stating that Shekher, a public figure, made targeted remarks against women journalist, whereas Arjuna’s tweet did not have a specific target audience and was quickly edited and deleted.
First Piper 