HC permits AIADMK to withdraw memorandum

CHENNAI: As the Supreme Court is seized of the Tamil Nadu government's reported non-compliance of its order on the bandh call given by the ruling DMK and its DPA allies, the Madras High Court on Monday permitted the opposition AIADMK to withdraw its memorandum filed in this regard in the morning.

A Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Justice P Jyothimani, said "since you have approached the Supreme Court and the latter has made some observations, a similar petition here may not be permissible."

Earlier, state Advocate General R Viduthalai informed the court that the AIADMK had approached the apex court and it had made some observations.

On behalf of the AIADMK, advocate L P Shanmugasundaram said the Supreme Court had condemned the state government and the DMK.

Shanmugasundaram claimed the apex court had also asked the AIADMK to file a contempt petition.

The Bench said "We would also have asked to file a petition because based on a memorandum, we cannot hear the matter."

The High Court permitted the AIADMK counsel to withdraw the memorandum presented this morning by party legal advisor N Jothi, MP.

Jothi submitted that the state government did not operate public transport despite the Supreme Court's order. Traders and shop owners were also threatened by DMK workers to close their establishments, he said.