Madras High Court judge Justice SM Subramaniam sought contempt proceedings against actor Suriya for his statement against the judiciary on the issue of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). In the statement that came after news of three students from Tamil Nadu died by suicide fearing to appear for NEET exams. Expressing pain, the film star, on Sunday on his Twitter account, said that it is 'disheartening' to witness the current situation.
Soon after Suriya's tweet went viral, Justice Subramaniam, in a statement, said that he is in contempt of court. Urging Chief Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi to take necessary action, Justice Subramaniam wrote, "The said statement in my considered opinion amounts to contempt of court as the integrity and devotion of the Hon'ble Judges as well as the Judicial System of our Great Nation are not only undermined but criticised in a bad shape, wherein there is a threat for the public confidence on the Judiciary."
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Jumping to Suriya's side and understanding the context and intention behind his statement, six former judges requested the Madras High Court Chief Justice to not take any action against the actor. "We should show generosity and magnanimity considering Suriya's help to hundreds of poor students. An artisitic person's overreaction should not be taken seriously and out of context. It's our duty to appeal so that the court is rid of any unnecessary controversies," the judges wrote in their statement.
Suriya's statement read, "My heart goes out to the three families..! Can't imagine their pain. The news reports of three students died by suicide over NEET exams shook me. I feel ashamed to offer words of comfort to students instead of wishing the best for exams. It's disheartening to see students writing exams during the pandemic situation to prove their talent. The Government should ideally create equal opportunities to all but they have created a law to divide students in the current educational system. Those who framed educational policies don't know the difficulties of students from poor economical backgrounds. Now, Courts have started announcing verdicts in so many cases through video conferencing but they are asking students to appear for NEET exams in this pandemic. The "Manu Neethi" exams like NEET not only take away the opportunities of students but also their lives. Henceforth, parents should understand the irregularities in our system. Friends, family, and neighbors should provide comfort to students. These exams shouldn't decide their fate. NEET has killed three students, it will continue until we act. We shouldn't maintain silence in this issue and watch innocent students die and kill their dreams."
My heart goes out to the three families..! Can't imagine their pain..!! pic.twitter.com/weLEuMwdWL
— Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) September 13, 2020
Soon after the statement faced legal trouble, Tamil actors like Udhayanidhi Stalin, Manobala and many others extended their support to Suriya.
- . @Suriya_offl . ! #BanNEET_SaveTNStudents
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) September 14, 2020
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@Suriya_offl— Seenu Ramasamy (@seenuramasamy) September 14, 2020
What Suriya is doing deserves a lot of praise. He is punching up & doing that with a lot to lose. That’s the kind of courage that’s almost non-existent nowadays. May your tribe increase!
— CS Amudhan (@csamudhan) September 13, 2020
So much respect Suriya na https://t.co/llGoBcCFu5
— Shanthnu Buddy (@imKBRshanthnu) September 13, 2020
(Source: Twitter/NDTV)
