The much-anticipated court face-off between former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai and DMK leader and MP TR Baalu did not take place at the hearing after Baalu failed to appear before the Saidapet Magistrate Court for cross-examination in the ongoing defamation case.
The cross-examination was scheduled for 11 November 2025, following Baalu’s earlier deposition in connection with the defamation suit he filed against Annamalai. However, Baalu’s legal representatives informed the court that the senior DMK leader was unable to attend due to parliamentary commitments and sought an adjournment. Accepting the request, the court postponed the next hearing to 24 December 2025.
Background of the Case
The case stems from statements made by Annamalai on 14 April 2023, when he released a dossier titled “DMK Files” during his tenure as Tamil Nadu BJP chief. The document alleged large-scale wealth accumulation by several DMK leaders and their families.
In the release, Annamalai claimed that TR Baalu and his family collectively owned 21 companies and properties worth ₹10,000 crore, allegations the DMK veteran dismissed as defamatory and politically motivated. Baalu subsequently filed a criminal defamation case against Annamalai before the Saidapet court.
Baalu has already been examined as a witness in the case. Annamalai had announced that he would personally conduct Baalu’s cross-examination, leading to high public and media interest in Monday’s proceedings.
While Baalu’s counsel cited parliamentary obligations as the reason for his absence, reports noted that the DMK leader was seen participating in a party-led protest in Chennai the same day. The demonstration, held on Swami Sivananda Road, was organised by the DMK to oppose the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Annamalai, who was present in court and ready to proceed with the cross-examination, refrained from commenting on Baalu’s absence but reiterated earlier that he would “face every legal challenge head-on.”
The case, now rescheduled for 24 December 2025, is expected to see Annamalai directly question Baalu when proceedings resume – a confrontation closely watched in both legal and political circles.
(Source: Dinamalar)
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