The Madras High Court has ordered the Chennai Principal Sessions Court to consider the bail plea of the son and daughter-in-law of DMK MLA Karunanidhi, who are facing charges under the Prevention of Atrocities Act for allegedly harassing a domestic worker.

The case was registered at the Neelankarai All Women Police Station under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Atrocities Act on charges that the domestic worker, who was working at the house of the MLA’s son, Anthony Mathivanan, was tortured by him and his wife, Merlina Ann. Three special teams have been formed to nab the absconding couple.

In the meantime, the couple filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking an order directing the Principal Sessions Court, which is a special court that deals with cases under the Prevention of Atrocities Act registered in Chennai district, to consider their bail plea on the day of their surrender.

In their petition, they said that no assault incident had taken place as mentioned in the complaint lodged by the young woman and that they had treated her like their own daughter. They also said that they celebrated her birthday at their home on December 26th and that it is clear from the photos taken at the time how happy she was. However, they said that they cannot understand how she changed to the point of filing a complaint in the next 15 days.

They also said that they had objected to her being in a relationship and that she had not heeded their advice that her future would be ruined.

Hearing the petition, Justice Anand Venkatesh directed the Chennai Principal Sessions Court to consider the bail plea of the couple on the day of their surrender, hear both sides and take a decision in accordance with the law. The judge also disposed of the case.