Chennai, Nov 10: DMK President M Karunanidhi today said the Supreme Court order, staying the arrest of six journalists who were awarded 15 days simple imprisonment for 'breach of privilege' on Friday last, has protected the freedom of the press. Asked whether a new act was needed to safeguard interests of the scribes, covering the state legislatures, he said any act could succeed only if ruling partymen adopt it in the right spirit.


DMK would take legal steps to secure the release of Parithi Ilamvazuhthi, a DMK MLA, who was imprisoned for one month by the state assembly for 'intimidating' another MLA D Kumaradoss, Karunanidhi said.

He said the 'human chain agitation,' announced by the opposition parties, scheduled for November 12, would be held as it was to oppose the imprisonment awarded to journalists and Parithi.

Asked whether DMK would demand imposition of president's rule in view of the latest developments in the state, he replied in the negative.

"We are only asking the Centre to take necessary steps to restrain the Tamil Nadu government from taking undemocratic steps in the state," he said. Bureau Report