Seeman Requests Madras HC to Combine Multiple FIRs Regarding Anti-Periyar Speech

Synopsis

On March 18, 2025, S. Seeman, a politician and NTK leader, sought the Madras High Court's intervention to merge 50 FIRs against him for his controversial remarks on Periyar. He insists that his statements were historically grounded and not defamatory, while facing significant backlash from Periyarist organizations.

Key Takeaways

Seeman is seeking to combine multiple FIRs against him.
The speech targeted E.V. Ramasamy, aka Periyar.
He argues his statements are based on historical facts.
Numerous protests have arisen from his remarks.
The case is pending in the Madras High Court.

Chennai, March 18 (NationPress) Actor-turned-politician and chief coordinator of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), S. Seeman, has filed a petition in the Madras High Court to consolidate all 50 FIRs lodged against him throughout Tamil Nadu following his remarks targeting E.V. Ramasamy, commonly known as Periyar.

The petition is scheduled for consideration by Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan.

In his affidavit, Seeman (58) indicated that he presented a speech in Vadalur, located in Cuddalore district, on January 8, 2025, where he openly criticized Periyar.

He claimed that his statements were grounded in factual evidence and historical documentation, not personal beliefs or slanderous comments.

Moreover, he emphasized that his comments merely reflected Periyar’s own public discourses and writings, which are comprehensively documented in public records.

“I have not made any unfounded allegations or disparaging remarks against any leader,” he declared.

Seeman argued that simply restating historical speeches and writings does not constitute an accusation and should not be interpreted as an intention to incite division.

“My intention was not to insult or defame the leader but to voice a differing perspective on his beliefs,” he asserted.

In the wake of his speech, numerous complaints were filed against him by members of Periyarist organizations across various districts, including Erode, Madurai, Krishnagiri, Salem, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Perambalur, Karur, Dindigul, Pudukottai, Coimbatore, Theni, and Sivaganga.

Seeman characterized the filing of multiple FIRs as a misuse of the legal system, describing it as an unnecessary form of harassment.

In his petition, he disclosed that he had previously contacted the Tamil Nadu Home Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) on February 11, 2025, requesting the consolidation of all FIRs into a single case and the appointment of one investigating officer for an unbiased investigation.

However, he reported that his appeal remained unanswered.

Referring to Supreme Court rulings regarding the consolidation of multiple FIRs, he urged the High Court to instruct the authorities to merge all cases and provide him relief from repeated summons to various police stations.

In reaction to his comments, members of Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, May 17 Movement, Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam, and other Periyarist groups organized protests against Seeman.

A group even attempted to blockade his residence in Neelankarai.

Despite the opposition, Seeman has remained steadfast, continuing to criticize Periyar and his supporters. He accused Periyarist organizations of neglecting urgent public concerns while orchestrating protests against him.

The case is currently pending before the Madras High Court, with a decision on the consolidation of the FIRs awaited.