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NEET 2020: Tamil actor Suriya's remark on 'Manu Neethi tests' draws the ire of Madras HC judge; Kollywood extends support
Madras High Court judge Justice SM Subramaniam sought contempt proceedings against actor Suriya for his statement against the judiciary on the issue of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). In the statement that came after news of three students from Tamil Nadu died by suicide fearing to appear for NEET exams. Expressing pain, the film star, on Sunday on his Twitter account, said that it is 'disheartening' to witness the current situation.
Soon after Suriya's tweet went viral, Justice Subramaniam, in a statement, said that he is in contempt of court. Urging Chief Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi to take necessary action, Justice Subramaniam wrote, "The said statement in my considered opinion amounts to contempt of court as the integrity and devotion of the Hon'ble Judges as well as the Judicial System of our Great Nation are not only undermined but criticised in a bad shape, wherein there is a threat for the public confidence on the Judiciary."
Jumping to Suriya's side and understanding the context and intention behind his statement, six former judges requested the Madras High Court Chief Justice to not take any action against the actor. "We should show generosity and magnanimity considering Suriya's help to hundreds of poor students. An artisitic person's overreaction should not be taken seriously and out of context. It's our duty to appeal so that the court is rid of any unnecessary controversies," the judges wrote in their statement.
Suriya's statement read, "My heart goes out to the three families..! Can't imagine their pain. The news reports of three students died by suicide over NEET exams shook me. I feel ashamed to offer words of comfort to students instead of wishing the best for exams. It's disheartening to see students writing exams during the pandemic situation to prove their talent. The Government should ideally create equal opportunities to all but they have created a law to divide students in the current educational system. Those who framed educational policies don't know the difficulties of students from poor economical backgrounds. Now, Courts have started announcing verdicts in so many cases through video conferencing but they are asking students to appear for NEET exams in this pandemic. The "Manu Neethi" exams like NEET not only take away the opportunities of students but also their lives. Henceforth, parents should understand the irregularities in our system. Friends, family, and neighbors should provide comfort to students. These exams shouldn't decide their fate. NEET has killed three students, it will continue until we act. We shouldn't maintain silence in this issue and watch innocent students die and kill their dreams."
Soon after the statement faced legal trouble, Tamil actors like Udhayanidhi Stalin, Manobala and many others extended their support to Suriya.
NEET 2020: Tamil actor Suriya's remark on 'Manu Neethi tests' draws the ire of Madras HC judge; Kollywood extends support
Suriya's remark on NEET 2020 received support from Kollywood as Madras HC judge demanded contempt proceedings
www.peepingmoon.com
Actor Suriya's remarks on holding NEET amid pandemic amounts to criminal contempt: Justice SM Subramaniam writes to Madras HC Chief Justice
ByMeera Emmanuel
14th Sep, 2020 at 11:14 AM
Justice SM Subramaniam of the Madras High Court has urged Chief Justice AP Sahi to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against Tamil actor Suriya over his comments on the conduct of the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The September 13th letter to Chief Justice Sahi has highlighted a press statement broadcast on the Puthiya Thalaimurai TV Channel and YouTube, where Suriya is stated to have remarked that while Judges hear cases virtually due to the pandemic, students are made to write the NEET without fear.
The original statement in Tamil is stated to read as follows:
"கொரானா அச்சத்தால் உயிருக்கு பயந்து வீடியோ காண்பரன்சிங் மூலம் நீதி வழங்கும் நீதிமன்றம் மாணவர்களை அச்சமில்லாமல் போய் தேர்வு எழத வேண்டும் என்று உத்தரவிடுகிறது"
Google Translate version from Tamil to English : "Fear for life due to fear of Corona The court which administers justice through video conferencing orders students to go and write exams without fear"
Expressing disapproval over the same, Justice Subramaniam's letter states,
"The Statement reveals that the Hon'ble Judges are afraid of their own life and rendering justice through video conferencing. While-so, they have no morale to pass orders directing the students to appear for NEET Exam without fear.
The said statement in my considered opinion amounts to contempt of Court as the integrity and devotion of the Hon'ble Judges as well as the Judicial System of our Great Nation are not only undermined but criticised in a bad shape, wherein there is threat for the public confidence on the Judiciary."
The same warrants criminal contempt action to uphold the Majesty of our Indian Judicial System, Justice Subramaniam further writes.
Criminal contempt proceedings sought to be launched by individuals ordinarily require the Advocate General's consent in case of High Court proceedings and the Attorney General's consent in case of Supreme Court proceedings. However, it remains to be seen how Justice Subramaniam's letter will play out.
Speaking to Bar & Bench, Advocate General for Tamil Nadu Vijay Narayan said,
"To my knowledge, nobody has filed a petition. In criminal contempt, the AG's consent is sought. But that does not bar the court from initiating contempt suo motu. From what I read in the newspapers, it is only a letter written to the Chief Justice. I do not know what the Chief intends to do with it."
After petitions filed before the Supreme Court seeking postponement of the NEET failed to yield relief, the exam was finally conducted on Sunday at various test centres across the country.
Letter written by Suriya which is in the center of contempt issue
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