BJP Leader H Raja Convicted in Defamation Cases, Sentenced to 6 Months Jail

Chennai: In a significant legal development, BJP leader H Raja was on Monday convicted by a special court in Chennai for criminal defamation. The court sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment in two separate cases related to derogatory remarks he made against prominent Tamil figures in 2018.

The controversial remarks, which targeted social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, and Tuticorin MP M. Kanimozhi, sparked widespread outrage and led to multiple FIRs against Raja. The charges included criminal defamation, intentional insult, and provocation with intent to cause riot.

Despite attempts to quash the cases, including a plea dismissed by the Madras High Court in August 2023, Raja was found guilty by the special court. The judge suspended the sentence for 30 days, allowing Raja to appeal the verdict in the High Court.

This conviction marks a significant legal setback for the BJP leader and raises questions about the limits of free speech and the consequences of inflammatory rhetoric.