Chennai: MDMK (Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) chief and POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) detent Vaiko today (Jan 13, 2004) moved the designated POTA court, trying a case booked against him under the anti-terrorist law for allegedly supporting the banned LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam) at a public meeting, for bail.

Designated POTA judge L Rajendran posted the bail application for hearing on January 21.

Vaiko has been in prison for the last about 18 months since his arrest on July 11, 2002 for allegedly speaking in favour of the outlawed outfit at a public meeting at Tirumangalam in Madurai District in June that year.

Yesterday, the Madras High Court had granted bail to eight MDMK partymen, who were arrested along with Vaiko for the same reasons.

This is the first time the MDMK leader is applying for bail since his arrest.