The Principal Sessions Court here on Tuesday ordered issuance of summons to Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President (TNCC) E.V.K.S. Elangovan, Editor of Tamil magazine Nakkeeran R. R. Gopal and two others in connection with three separate criminal defamation complaints filed against them.

On May 11, the Tamil Nadu government moved a complaint under Sections 499 (criminal defamation) and 500 of the Indian Penal Code against Mr. Elangovan alleging that the Congress leader in an interview to a private television channel made defamatory statements against the Tamil Nadu Governor in connection with the appointments made to the post of Vice-Chancellors of the State Universities.

A week later, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa moved a criminal defamation charge against Mr. Elangovan contending that his comments were defamatory in nature.