Case against Kamal Haasan for violating Section 144

A case was filed against Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan on Wednesday for visiting a Tuticorin government hospital with his supporters, violating section 144 of the Indian Penal Code that was in place.

The actor-turned politician travelled to the southern coastal city to meet the injured in the violent protests against the expansion of a copper smelting plant and also the family members of the deceased. "We must know who ordered this firing," Kamal Haasan said after visiting the injured persons, adding, It is not me, but the victims who are demanding this. Merely announcing compensation isn't a solution."

He also asked those who ordered the police firing in Tuticorin that they step down. "This will be their smallest punishment. A bigger punishment awaits them. It is a political punishment that the people will definitely give them. Before that, if they have a good conscience they have to step down," he said.