Tamil actor Shekar files libel plaint against censor official

Chennai: Noted Tamil actor and Censor Board member S Ve Shekar has filed a libel plaint in a local court against a senior official of the board accusing him of sending "defamatory" messages.

Shekar, also a propaganda wing functionary of Tamil Nadu BJP, moved the criminal defamation complaint against Regional Censor Board Officer of CBFC, V Packirisamy, for "sending false and defamatory allegations" against him through mobile phone messenger app WhatsApp.

The complaint filed before the Principal Sessions Judge, Audinathan yesterday alleged that defamatory messages were sent by Packirisamy on February 21 to a group of people on Whatsapp. The actor, who is also a playwright, sought action under criminal law for defamation.

The "slanderous" messages were allegedly sent by the official after he sought some particulars from him through a letter dated February 6 regarding the protocol, functions, and process being followed for certifying films with an intention to ensure transparency in the process, he said in his complaint.

He further said that in reply to his letter, the officer said Shekar should function only as a member of the board that too as a Revising Committee Member.