PIL filed seeking cancellation of Modi's speech at Madras University

Chennai: A PIL has been filed in Madras High Court seeking cancellation of the permission granted to a function at the Madras University campus in Chennai in which Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is to participate. Objecting Modi’s participation in the book release function, Thanga Tamizhvelan, President of Tamizhnadu Makkal Katchi, in his PIL said it was not fair to allow a political leader “known for his Hindu fundamentalism” to speak at the university. [caption id=“attachment_1179623” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Gujarat CM Narendra Modi. AFP[/caption] Referring to an incident where permission granted to an American Islamic scholar Amina Wadud was cancelled in the University campus on the ground that her speech might hurt the sentiments of some sections, the petitioner said a person with “communal base” was given permission in the university campus. He also argued that the Madras University is funded by Tamil Nadu government and Governor is its Chancellor, where irrespective of religions, caste or creed, students belonging to all religions were given education. He said that he had made representations to Chennai Police Commissioner and Madras University Vice Chancellor to cancel the meeting. The meeting has been arranged by Palkhivala Foundation to release a book authored by Arun Shorie in the University centenary hall. PTI