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Kerala AG tells court he was `attacked` by media
KP Dhandapani, at the centre of a controversy over submissions on the Mullaperiyar issue, informed the state HC he was `harassed` by the media.
Kochi: Kerala Advocate General KP Dhandapani,
at the centre of a controversy over submissions on
the Mullaperiyar issue, on Tuesday informed the state High Court he
was `harassed` and `attacked` by the media which conducted a
trial against him, prompting the court to say it was
`unfortunate`.
He made the submission when he appeared before the division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice PR Ramachandra Menon on a batch of petitions expressing concern of safety of the 116-year-old Mullaperiyar dam over which Kerala and Tamil Nadu are locked in dispute.
The Government had virtually denounced the AG for making statements in Court which allegedly contradicted the state`s stand on the issue. As today`s arguments came to a close, the AG told the court that he had something to say.
A visibly upset Dhandapani said he was harassed and attacked by the media,which conducted a trial against him
The bench said it was `unfortunate` and `we are sorry for you`.
The court said it was not expressing any comments on the media reports, but told Dhandapani that ` you were responding to the questions raised by the court`. Dhandpani had come under attack from opposition LDF and ruling UDF for his statements in court, though he maintained his words were misinterpreted by a section of the media as he had not said anything to contradict the state`s case.
While making statements in court on Dec 2 on the safety measures being taken by Kerala in the event of the dam`s collapse, Dhandapani had purportedly said three downstream dams of Idukki, Kulavamuvu and Cheruthoni could hold waters of Mullaperiyar.
He had met Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at his residence at Kottayam on December 4 and said that his statements in court was solely based on information as well as records given by the Revenue Department and Additional Chief Secretary.
PTI
He made the submission when he appeared before the division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice PR Ramachandra Menon on a batch of petitions expressing concern of safety of the 116-year-old Mullaperiyar dam over which Kerala and Tamil Nadu are locked in dispute.
The Government had virtually denounced the AG for making statements in Court which allegedly contradicted the state`s stand on the issue. As today`s arguments came to a close, the AG told the court that he had something to say.
A visibly upset Dhandapani said he was harassed and attacked by the media,which conducted a trial against him
The bench said it was `unfortunate` and `we are sorry for you`.
The court said it was not expressing any comments on the media reports, but told Dhandapani that ` you were responding to the questions raised by the court`. Dhandpani had come under attack from opposition LDF and ruling UDF for his statements in court, though he maintained his words were misinterpreted by a section of the media as he had not said anything to contradict the state`s case.
While making statements in court on Dec 2 on the safety measures being taken by Kerala in the event of the dam`s collapse, Dhandapani had purportedly said three downstream dams of Idukki, Kulavamuvu and Cheruthoni could hold waters of Mullaperiyar.
He had met Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at his residence at Kottayam on December 4 and said that his statements in court was solely based on information as well as records given by the Revenue Department and Additional Chief Secretary.
PTI