DMK to launch legal helpline for cadres, social media supporters amid free speech row with TN govt
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Chennai, June 8 : Amid an intensifying political confrontation between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government and the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the DMK announced a statewide legal assistance network for party cadres, supporters and social media activists who it claims are being targeted through “false complaints” for criticising the government.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of growing allegations by the DMK that the Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led administration is using police action and legal proceedings to stifle dissent and intimidate opposition voices.
The party has repeatedly accused the government of attempting to curb democratic criticism through arrests, complaints and investigations directed at political opponents and online commentators.
In a statement issued from the party headquarters, the DMK recalled a decision taken on May 25 by Organising Secretary R.S. Bharathi and Legal Wing Secretary and senior advocate N.R. Elango to establish a dedicated legal support mechanism for those facing what the party described as politically motivated complaints.
According to the statement, individuals expressing criticism of the government through democratic and lawful means were allegedly being subjected to intimidation and legal harassment.
The party argued that such actions posed a threat to freedom of expression and democratic rights. To address these concerns, the DMK has released a list of advocates and legal coordinators across several districts who will provide guidance and legal assistance to affected individuals.
The network covers major regions, including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Madurai, Dindigul, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore and Tiruvannamalai.
The opposition party also said legal support would be extended in cases where, according to it, baseless allegations, defamatory campaigns or unsubstantiated accusations were directed against the DMK or its members.
“As democratic opinions are being suppressed through false complaints, party cadres and social media journalists may approach the listed advocates for appropriate legal assistance,” the statement said.
In addition to the legal helpline, the DMK has created a dedicated email channel through its legal wing to receive complaints, documents and details related to such cases.
The party urged cadres, supporters and social media activists to make use of the facility whenever they encounter legal action that they believe is politically motivated.
The announcement is expected to further sharpen the ongoing political battle between the DMK and the ruling TVK government over issues relating to free speech, dissent and the role of law enforcement in handling political criticism.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of growing allegations by the DMK that the Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led administration is using police action and legal proceedings to stifle dissent and intimidate opposition voices.
The party has repeatedly accused the government of attempting to curb democratic criticism through arrests, complaints and investigations directed at political opponents and online commentators.
In a statement issued from the party headquarters, the DMK recalled a decision taken on May 25 by Organising Secretary R.S. Bharathi and Legal Wing Secretary and senior advocate N.R. Elango to establish a dedicated legal support mechanism for those facing what the party described as politically motivated complaints.
According to the statement, individuals expressing criticism of the government through democratic and lawful means were allegedly being subjected to intimidation and legal harassment.
The party argued that such actions posed a threat to freedom of expression and democratic rights. To address these concerns, the DMK has released a list of advocates and legal coordinators across several districts who will provide guidance and legal assistance to affected individuals.
The network covers major regions, including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Madurai, Dindigul, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore and Tiruvannamalai.
The opposition party also said legal support would be extended in cases where, according to it, baseless allegations, defamatory campaigns or unsubstantiated accusations were directed against the DMK or its members.
“As democratic opinions are being suppressed through false complaints, party cadres and social media journalists may approach the listed advocates for appropriate legal assistance,” the statement said.
In addition to the legal helpline, the DMK has created a dedicated email channel through its legal wing to receive complaints, documents and details related to such cases.
The party urged cadres, supporters and social media activists to make use of the facility whenever they encounter legal action that they believe is politically motivated.
The announcement is expected to further sharpen the ongoing political battle between the DMK and the ruling TVK government over issues relating to free speech, dissent and the role of law enforcement in handling political criticism.
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Note: The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the ap7am team.