Petition in HC against Rajinikanth, 'Lingaa' producer

A criminal original petition was today filed in the Madras High Court seeking a direction to the Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai city, to register a criminal case against superstar Rajinikanth and the producer of 'Lingaa' for allegedly causing a loss of Rs 21 crore to the government exchequer.

R Singaravadivelan, Managing Partner of Marina Pictures, Chennai, filed the petition alleging that by using the influence of Rajinikanth, the film's producer, Rockline Venkatesh, got exemption from payment of entertainment tax.

He alleged that as per rules, only movies with titles in Tamil and meant for developing Tamil culture was eligible for exemption from entertainment tax.

"..the title 'Lingaa' is originally a Sanskrit word and thereby the movie is not eligible for getting exemption from payment of entertainment tax." He alleged that both Rajinikanth and the film's producer had caused a great loss to the government exchequer.

He claimed that no action was taken on his complaint filed before the Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai City, on March 3 seeking action against the actor and producer and hence he filed the present plea.

The petition is expected to come up for hearing on Monday.