The Shah Alam High Court today struck out a RM10-million defamation suit brought by MIC president S Samy Vellu against the party's former Youth chief S Vigneswaran and three others over an allegedly defamatory article.

Justice Zaleha Yusof made the decision in chambers, allowing the applications by Vigneswaran and the three others to strike out the suit.

Vigneswaran's lawyer A Vasanthi told reporters the court also ordered Samy Vellu to pay RM5,000 as legal costs to each of the four defendants, namely Vigneswaran, Malaysia Nanban Tamil newspaper editor M Maryanandy and the newspaper's publisher Penerbitan Sahabat (M) Sdn Bhd and printer Aslita Sdn Bhd.

On Feb 22 this year, Vigneswaran and the others filed their applications to strike out the suit on the grounds that Samy Vellu had intentionally failed to set down the action for the trial.

On July 24, 2008, Samy Vellu filed the suit against the four seeking RM10 million in damages for libel, damages for conspiracy, aggravated damages, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.

In his suit, the former works minister claimed that the article, published on the front page of Malaysia Nanban and continued on page four, contained elements defamatory of him, tarnished his credibility, reputation and image and changed public perception of his ability to safeguard the interests of the Indian community.

In his statement of defence filed on Aug 13, 2008, Vigneswaran said all statements he had made were true and it was to fulfil his obligation to Indian youths.

Samy Vellu was represented by counsel Mohana Krishna. 

- Bernama