Chennai: A POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) court today (Feb 3, 2004) granted conditional bail to MDMK (Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) leader Vaiko, detained under the anti-terrorism law for over 18 months.

Designated judge L Rajendran, however, said the bail would become operative provided Vaiko filed an affidavit agreeing to all the terms laid down by the court.

The judge directed Vaiko to file the affidavit before furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with two sureties for a like sum, which the court had stipulated as part of the conditions for the bail.

The judge took note of the Tamil Nadu Advocate General N R Chandran's objection to grant of bail on the ground that the MDMK leader had not mentioned to observe undertaking clauses the court might put while releasing him on bail.

Vaiko was arrested in July 2002 for allegedly speaking in favour of the banned LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam) at a public meeting. He had moved the special court seeking bail on Jan 13, a day after eight party colleagues, who were also arrested along with him, were granted bail by the Madras High Court.

In the affidavit, Judge Rajendran directed Vaiko to give an assurance that he would not seek adjournment of the trial on the grounds of political activities and that he had no counsel to represent him as he appeared party in person.

This was necessary in view of the High Court order while granting bail to eight others that the trial court should hold day-to-day trial and deliver its verdict by June 30, he said.

Telling Vaiko to strictly comply with these conditions, the judge also directed him not to leave the city limits or suburban Ponnamalee where the court is located.

Besides, he directed the MDMK leader to appear before the POTA court on all working days and the city magistrate on holidays.