I cannot be held responsible for all social media posts by DMK handles, functionaries: Stalin tells Madras High Court
DMK president M.K. Stalin has filed a counter affidavit in the Madras High Court, arguing he is not legally responsible for social media posts made by party functionaries. This follows a defamation suit filed against him by a government minister regarding an IT wing post.
Why it matters
The case sets a legal precedent regarding the liability of political leaders for the digital conduct of their party's organizational wings.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M.K. Stalin on Tuesday (September 22, 2026) told the Madras High Court that he cannot be held responsible for each and every social media post published by different wings or functionaries of the party, just because he happens to be their leader.
He made the submission in a counter affidavit filed in response to a ₹1-crore defamation suit filed against him and the DMK Information Technology (IT) wing by Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna, who had taken objection to an X post by the DMK IT wing.
“Though I am the head of the party and I exercise administrative control over the office-bearers of various wings of the party, I cannot be legally responsible or liable for any individual acts of the members or wings of the party,” the counter filed in response to the plea for interim relief read.
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