Madras High Court quashes all cases against Vairamuthu

In a relief to noted Tamil lyricist and novelist Vairamuthu, who has been facing criticism for his alleged derogatory remarks on seventh-century mystic poet Andal, the Madras High Court on Friday stayed all the criminal proceedings against him in connection with the issue.

Hearing a petition moved by the Tamil poet, Justice MS Ramesh passed the interim order while observing that prima facie, no case had been made out against Vairamuthu.

Vairamuthu found himself engulfed in a controversy after he published his article "Thamizhai Andal" in a Tamil daily earlier this month, wherein he referred to Andal as a "devadasi". The Hindu outfits, BJP and a few religious mutts have since taken offence and despite him tendering an apology, have refused to accept it, demanding it in writing instead.

Facing attacks for the past 10 days, Vairamuthu approached the high court. "The statements were not mine, I just referred a research article in my essay," the poet said.