DMK President M.K. Stalin Defends Against INR1-Crore Defamation Suit Over Party’s Social-Media Post

On September 22, 2026, former Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin appeared before the Madras High Court to contest a civil defamation suit filed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) minister Aadhav Arjuna. Arjuna seeks INR1 crore in damages, an unconditional apology, deletion of the contested post, and a permanent injunction. The suit alleges that a June 8, 2026 post on the DMK IT Wing’s X account falsely claimed that John Britto—described as the alleged mastermind of a INR258 crore drug-trafficking operation—was Arjuna’s close relative.

Hindustan Times‘Can’t Be Held Liable For Every DMK Social Media Post’: M K Stalin Tells Madras HC In Aadhav Arjuna’s INR1-Crore Defamation Suit The HinduNew Indian ExpressANI NewsNew Indian Express

The disputed post linked Arjuna to Britto, who is under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate. Arjuna maintains he has no familial connection to Britto and that the post was published on Stalin’s instructions. Stalin, in a counter-affidavit, denied authoring, directing, approving, or even knowing about the post and argued that administrative control does not make him vicariously liable for individual actions of party functionaries.

‘Can’t Be Held Liable For Every DMK Social Media Post’: M K Stalin Tells Madras HC In Aadhav Arjuna’s INR1-Crore Defamation Suit

• INR1 crore – damages claimed.

‘Can’t Be Held Liable For Every DMK Social Media Post’: M K Stalin Tells Madras HC In Aadhav Arjuna’s INR1-Crore Defamation Suit

• June 8 2026 – date of the DMK IT Wing’s X post.

The Hindu

• INR258 crore – value of narcotics seized in the operation.

Hindustan Times

• October 26 2026 – scheduled date for the next hearing.

The Hindu

Stalin noted that Arjuna’s own family members are subject to criminal cases registered by the ED and that Arjuna is under investigation by the CBI in connection with the Karur stampede tragedy. He contended that the plaintiff had not demonstrated any loss of reputation, public standing, or goodwill resulting from the post.

‘Can’t Be Held Liable For Every DMK Social Media Post’: M K Stalin Tells Madras HC In Aadhav Arjuna’s INR1-Crore Defamation Suit

Arjuna’s pleadings allege that the post was not an isolated act but was published on Stalin’s instructions, asserting that the DMK president’s control over the party’s IT Wing makes him liable. He seeks a permanent injunction, an unconditional apology, deletion of the post, and compensation for alleged loss of reputation and mental agony.

Hindustan Times

All sources agree that the post appeared on June 8 2026 and that Arjuna claims it linked him to John Britto. However, the precise wording of the post and whether it explicitly named Arjuna as a relative are not uniformly detailed across reports. No source provides the full text of the X post, leaving a gap in verifying the exact nature of the alleged defamation.

‘Can’t Be Held Liable For Every DMK Social Media Post’: M K Stalin Tells Madras HC In Aadhav Arjuna’s INR1-Crore Defamation Suit

• “And hence he has come before the court with unclean hands and is not entitled to any relief sought for,” — K. Stalin, president

New Indian Express

The Madras High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on October 26 2026. Stalin’s counsel has asked that the case be listed for arguments after the court’s Dussehra vacation, and the court has taken his submissions on record.

The Hindu