AR Murugadoss has been granted conditional bail by the Madras High Court. Murugadoss applied for bail in early November this year, shortly after the release of Sarkar. The director was criticised by leaders of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for criticising the State Government in his film.
Fearing imminent arrest, Murugadoss moved the Madras HC for anticipatory bail. Now, almost a month later, that request has been granted by the court.
In addition to granting him bail, the court has asked him to cooperate with the investigation into the Sarkar case, and with the Central Crime Branch authorities when he is asked to.
Shortly after Sarkar released, cadres of AIADMK began to protest against scenes that were critical of the State Government. Some State ministers went on record saying Murugadoss could be arrested for sedition.
Murugadoss sought relief from arrest and approached the Madras HC for anticipatory bail. The bench admitted his plea and passed oral orders to not arrest Murugadoss till the case reached a logical conclusion.
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The State Government opposed this decision and said that Murugadoss had caused a law and order problem in the State. They asked for an unconditional apology from the director for criticising the State Government and also asked him to give a written undertaking to the court that he would not do so anymore.
Murugadoss refused to accede to these demands.
Later, the Central Crime Branch booked the director for promoting enmity against the Government based on a complaint by G Devarajan. The HC, earlier this week, issued a stay order against further proceedings in the FIR.
Many in the film fraternity, including leading actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, came out in support of Murugadoss at the time of the controversy.