Tamil Actor Suriya speaks on NEET, Criticises Court ; Madras HC to initiate Contempt Proceedings
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A Madras High Court judge has written to Chief Justice A P Shai seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against actor Suriya. He had given out a statement that judges are dishing out justice through video conferencing in times of Covid-19 lockdown fearing their lives, while NEET candidates are expected to appear for exams.
Justice S M Subramaniam wrote to Sahi on Sunday night, hours after Suriya issued a detailed statement speaking against NEET. He attacked the government for asking students to come to a center to write the exam even while judiciary was conducting its proceedings through video conferncing for the "fear of life".
In his letter, Subramaniam referred to the statement by Suriya which has been carried by Tamil television channels. Justice S.M.Subramaniam said in his view, Surya's statement amounts to contempt of court as the judiciary has been criticised and the integrity and devotion of the judges as well as judicial system have been undermined, warranting initiation of contempt of court proceedings.
Suriya spoke up against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), following the student suicides in Tamil Nadu.
Calling it a 'manuneethi' exam, Suriya said that the NEET, a highly contentious issue in the state, is unjust and deprives underprivileged children of an opportunity to become doctors.
The actor has won wide praise and criticism too for speaking about the issue.
Meanwhile Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) leader M.H.Jawahirullah on Monday requested the Madras High Court not to take contempt of court action against the actor Surya as it would impact freedom of expression guaranteed in the Constitution.
He said the MMK requests the Chief Justice not to take action against Suriya.
However, this is not for the first time that Suriya has voiced his thoughts on social and political issues. Although Suriya has not expressed a desire to join politics, he is among the more vocal stars in the Tamil film industry and is also known for his social work, especially in the field of education.
(With inputs from various agencies)