Date:17/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/17/stories/2007111760600800.htm

Tamil Nadu

Vaiko, Nedumaran granted bail

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Marumlarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko, Tamil Nationalist Movement leader P. Nedumaran and 260 others, arrested on November 12, were granted bail by a Metropolitan Magistrate court here on Friday.

The V Metropolitan Magistrate at Egmore, S. Muruganantham, directed the arrested persons to furnish a bond for Rs.5,000 each and execute a surety each to the satisfaction of the court. They should present themselves before the police as and when required in connection with the case.

As soon as the order was delivered, G. Devadoss, counsel for the petitioners, submitted that common surety or at least repetition of surety might be permitted. To this, the Mr. Muruganantham said he had gone by the authorities cited in court and the submissions of the Assistant Public Prosecutor, who said the investigation was still in a preliminary stage.

The Magistrate, however, said counsel must ensure that there were at least 100 persons to offer sureties to the petitioners, including Achamillai editor Iraivan.