Provide Personal Security to Mani Ratnam: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court directed police to provide personal security cover to Mani Ratnam at his cost, according to media reports.

Mani Ratnam earlier in his petition had reportedly sought police protection, submitting that a few days after his film 'Kadal' was released, a few unidentified persons, who were claiming themselves to be alleged distributors, were spreading false facts about its quality.

Disappointed over the alleged low turnover of the film, more than 25 unidentified persons, claiming to be distributors trespassed into his office on February 9 and 22 and created a fear psychosis on the staff present there.

Two police officials had been posted at Ratnam's office and two more would be posted at his residence, said Additional government pleader.

The court said “The petitioner is a bigwig with a social status in the society and hence he has come to the court seeking police protection to his life and liberty and that of his family members and directed that one personal security be provided to the film-maker to safeguard him and his family”.

V Prakash, senior counsel appearing for the film-maker earlier, submitted that on the deployment of personal security to Mani Ratnam's residence and office, the cost may be borne by him. Adding to this, the Judge said that this arrangement would continue until further orders and posted the matter to April 10th to review the situation.