A local court acquitted MDMK founder Vaiko of sedition charges on Thursday and held him not guilty of supporting the banned terror outfit LTTE in a case dating back to 2008. Pronouncing the judgement in a packed court hall, the sessions judge said the charges against Vaiko were not proved.

According to the prosecution, Vaiko had spoken in support of LTTE, and against the Indian sovereignty in an indoor meeting "Ilangaiyail Nadapathenna" (What is happening in Sri Lanka) in 2008, during the early stages of the civil war in the island nation. The 'Q' branch wing of Tamil Nadu Police, which deals with internal security, had then filed a case against the staunch pro-Tamil leader under section 124 (a) IPC (sedition) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) act for allegedly supporting the outlawed LTTE.