MDMK general secretary Vaiko’s speech castigating the Indian government for allegedly supporting the Sri Lankan government in its military campaign against the LTTE was made “with the intention to cause hatred, contempt, and disaffection towards the government,” a special court which convicted him for sedition said on Friday.
Judge J. Shanthi rejected the defence argument that Mr. Vaiko’s remarks did not amount to sedition. “If the comments are of such a nature which excites or attempts to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, [they] would certainly attract Sec.124A of IPC,” the court said. She referred to the allegations in Mr. Vaiko’s speech holding the Indian government responsible for the death of key militants Dileepan, Kumarappa, Pulendran, and 12 other LTTE cadre.
“So, the persons who hear the speech would definitely develop hatred against the Indian Government and also develop vengeance against each other. Mere advocacy alone, which is likely to incite, is the essence of the crime. So, the accused is liable to be punished for the offense under Section 124-A of the IPC,” the judge also observed.