Political commentator Badri Seshadri held for remarks on SC and CJI over Manipur violence

Mr. Seshadri was arrested from his residence in Chennai by a Special Team of Perambalur district police, for comments made on a YouTube video that were critical of the CJI and the Apex Court, over its hearing of a case on the Manipur violence.

The arrest was made based on a complaint from a lawyer, Kaviyarasu of Kadur village against Mr. Seshadri.

Police said Mr. Seshadri was first detained from his house in Mylapore in the city and later taken to Perambalur district.

Mr. Seshadri, in a recent YouTube interview, had allegedly made strongly critical remarks about the Supreme Court and CJI D.Y. Chandrachud.

Police have registered cases against Mr. Seshadri under various sections of the IPC, including 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 153-A (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and acting in a manner that is prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony), and 505-1(b) (with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquility).

Mr. Seshadri's arrest drew condemnation from Tamil Nadu BJP President K.Annamalai, who, in a Twitter post, said, "the ruling DMK has been targeting ordinary people for their opinions."

“The DMK government is unable to respond to the opinions of ordinary people and is resorting to arrests,” he said.

“Does the police department think that implementing the vengeful agenda of the corrupt DMK is their only job?”, he sought to know.