BJP leader who called court 'anti-Hindu' apologises

Madras High Court on Monday closed contempt proceedings against controversial BJP leader H Raja for his derogatory comments against judiciary after he appeared before a division bench and tendered an “unconditional apology.”

A division bench of Justices CT Selvam and Nirmal Kumar had on September 17 initiated contempt proceedings against Raja for his derogatory comments against judiciary after police personnel stopped a procession with Vinayaka idols in Tirumayam in Pudukkottai district on September 15.

"Those words were uttered in a highly agitated state. It was purely unintentional, and I was in an emotional state (during the procession). Only after watching the video I realised that (my statement) was wrong. I tender my unconditional apology for the same," the BJP leader told the judges during his personal appearance on Monday.

After the apology by Raja, the division bench closed the contempt proceedings against the BJP leader. The bench had on September 17 took serious note of the remarks and ordered notice to Raja asking him to appear before it and explain his remarks.

Raja’s comments had triggered a major controversy and the Tamil Nadu police even booked him under sections 143, 188, 153 (A), 290, 294 (B), 353, 505 (1) (B) (C) and 506 (1) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

"Tamil Nadu police is highly corrupt and corrupt to the core. How did you people allow 19 colour television sets to be taken inside Puzhal prison in Chennai? Police are corrupt, and you people have received bribe from members of other communities. If you want, ask me. I am ready to bribe you. Police is anti-Hindu," Raja was seen telling police personnel in the video, shot during the procession.

It is at this point, Raja used a derogatory comment against the High Court. The apology assumes significance since Raja had in September pleaded innocence, saying the video was not original.

"The voice in the video being circulated is not mine. The voice has been doctored. The video that is doing the rounds has been edited," Raja had said in his clarification.