Maridhas Malaichamy - Revision history

CleanupBot: clean up

2022-12-11T03:47:17Z

clean up

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:17, 11 December 2022
Line 58:		Line 58:

	==Youtube career==		==Youtube career==
	He operates a YouTube channel named Maridhas Answers and publishes propaganda videos to promote BJP.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite news \|title=YouTuber Maridhas Sued at Madras High Court by News 18 and Editor Gunasekaran {{!}} Lawsisto Legal News \|url=https://lawsisto.com/legalnewsread/NzE4NQ==/YouTuber-Maridhas-Sued-at-Madras-High-Court-by-News-18-and-Editor-Gunasekaran \|access-date=7 January 2022 \|work=lawsisto.com}}</ref> He is also active in social media and publishes content supporting the BJP.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web\|last=கரிகாலன்\|first=இரா செந்தில்\|title=மாரிதாஸ் கைதுக்கு எதிர்ப்பு: சீமான் எழுப்பும் குரலுக்குப் பின்னால் இருப்பது என்ன?\|url=https:/~~/www.vikatan.com/government-and-politics/politics/what-is-behind-the-voice-that-seaman-raises-for-maridhas\|url-status=live\|access-date=2022-01-03\|website=Vikatan\|language=ta}}</ref~~> Maridhas has been critical of the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) party in social media.<ref name="NIE_BookOnModi">{{cite news		He operates a YouTube channel named Maridhas Answers and publishes propaganda videos to promote BJP.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite news \|title=YouTuber Maridhas Sued at Madras High Court by News 18 and Editor Gunasekaran {{!}} Lawsisto Legal News \|url=https://lawsisto.com/legalnewsread/NzE4NQ==/YouTuber-Maridhas-Sued-at-Madras-High-Court-by-News-18-and-Editor-Gunasekaran \|access-date=7 January 2022 \|work=lawsisto.com}}</ref> He is also active in social media and publishes content supporting the BJP.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2"/> Maridhas has been critical of the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) party in social media.<ref name="NIE_BookOnModi">{{cite news
	\| last = Koushik		\| last = Koushik
	\| first = Janardhan		\| first = Janardhan
Line 84:		Line 84:
	In 2020, Maridhas published a counterfeit email on July 2020, impersonating Vinay Sarawagi, the Associate Execute Editor of ''[[News18 India]]''.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2020-07-10\|title=மாரிதாஸ்-க்கு நியூஸ் 18 இமெயில் அனுப்பியதாக திட்டமிட்ட பொய்{{!}} நியூஸ்18 மறுப்பு.\|url=https://youturn.in/factcheck/maridas-news18tamil-fake-mail.html\|access-date=2022-01-03\|website=You Turn\|language=en-US}}</ref> Vinay Sarawagi later took legal action against Maridhas.<ref name="NIE_Maridhas" />		In 2020, Maridhas published a counterfeit email on July 2020, impersonating Vinay Sarawagi, the Associate Execute Editor of ''[[News18 India]]''.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2020-07-10\|title=மாரிதாஸ்-க்கு நியூஸ் 18 இமெயில் அனுப்பியதாக திட்டமிட்ட பொய்{{!}} நியூஸ்18 மறுப்பு.\|url=https://youturn.in/factcheck/maridas-news18tamil-fake-mail.html\|access-date=2022-01-03\|website=You Turn\|language=en-US}}</ref> Vinay Sarawagi later took legal action against Maridhas.<ref name="NIE_Maridhas" />

	''[[The Times of India\|Times of India]]'' reported that Maridhas has constantly addressed [[Journalist~~\|Journalists~~]] using [[derogatory language]] such as [[Begging\|beggars]], [[~~Bootlicker\|bootlickers~~]], [[mercenary]] and made personal attacks against them.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=நேரடியாகப் பொய் சொன்ன மாரிதாஸ்... நேரம் பார்த்து போட்டுடைத்த நியூஸ் 18\|url=https://tamil.samayam.com/latest-news/state-news/what-is-the-truth-behind-maridhas-published-fake-proofs-against-news18/articleshow/76887506.cms\|access-date=2022-01-03\|website=Samayam Tamil\|language=ta}}</ref>		''[[The Times of India\|Times of India]]'' reported that Maridhas has constantly addressed [[Journalist]]s using [[derogatory language]] such as [[Begging\|beggars]], [[bootlicker]]s, [[mercenary]] and made personal attacks against them.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=நேரடியாகப் பொய் சொன்ன மாரிதாஸ்... நேரம் பார்த்து போட்டுடைத்த நியூஸ் 18\|url=https://tamil.samayam.com/latest-news/state-news/what-is-the-truth-behind-maridhas-published-fake-proofs-against-news18/articleshow/76887506.cms\|access-date=2022-01-03\|website=Samayam Tamil\|language=ta}}</ref>

	=== Fake news ===		=== Fake news ===
Line 94:		Line 94:

	===Videos against MK Stalin and DMK ===		===Videos against MK Stalin and DMK ===
	In 2019, Maridhas had published several videos critical of DMK, the [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election\|primary opposition party in Tamil Nadu]] at the time and its leaders. DMK registered a complaint with the local police accusing Maridhas of uploading videos "which are entirely baseless, false and intended to [[~~Conspiracy_~~(criminal)#~~Conspiracy_to_effect_a_public_mischief~~\|create public mischief]]."<ref name="Hooli">{{cite news \|last1=Hooli \|first1=Shekhar H. \|title=DMK files complaint against Hindu YouTuber Maridhas: #ISupportMaridas trends with 1 lakh plus tweets \|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/dmk-files-complaint-against-hindu-youtuber-maridhas-isupportmaridas-trends-1-lakh-tweets-804336 \|access-date=7 January 2022 \|work=ibtimes.co.in \|date=28 August 2019 \|language=en}}</ref>		In 2019, Maridhas had published several videos critical of DMK, the [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election\|primary opposition party in Tamil Nadu]] at the time and its leaders. DMK registered a complaint with the local police accusing Maridhas of uploading videos "which are entirely baseless, false and intended to [[Conspiracy (criminal)#Conspiracy to effect a public mischief\|create public mischief]]."<ref name="Hooli">{{cite news \|last1=Hooli \|first1=Shekhar H. \|title=DMK files complaint against Hindu YouTuber Maridhas: #ISupportMaridas trends with 1 lakh plus tweets \|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/dmk-files-complaint-against-hindu-youtuber-maridhas-isupportmaridas-trends-1-lakh-tweets-804336 \|access-date=7 January 2022 \|work=ibtimes.co.in \|date=28 August 2019 \|language=en}}</ref>

	On 5 August 5 2019, DMK leader MK Stalin had issued a statement in which he called the manner of abrogation of Article 370 as "anti-democratic, unconstitutional and against federal principles". In their complaint, DMK accused Maridhas of purposefully misconstruing the political stand of DMK, as support for terrorists. Maridhas was "portraying Muslims in Kashmir as terrorists and, thereby, creating ill-will against that group of people... Maridhas primarily intends to disturb public tranquillity and promote enmity and incite hatred between religious groups, namely Muslims and non-Muslims. Mr Maridhas uses the recent policy statements issued by the DMK to buttress his efforts to ultimately create public mischief against Muslims, who are a minority in India."<ref name="Hooli" />		On 5 August 5, 2019, DMK leader MK Stalin had issued a statement in which he called the manner of abrogation of Article 370 as "anti-democratic, unconstitutional and against federal principles". In their complaint, DMK accused Maridhas of purposefully misconstruing the political stand of DMK, as support for terrorists. Maridhas was "portraying Muslims in Kashmir as terrorists and, thereby, creating ill-will against that group of people... Maridhas primarily intends to disturb public tranquillity and promote enmity and incite hatred between religious groups, namely Muslims and non-Muslims. Mr Maridhas uses the recent policy statements issued by the DMK to buttress his efforts to ultimately create public mischief against Muslims, who are a minority in India."<ref name="Hooli" />

	The DMK accused Maridhas of running a website seeking donation and using the donated money "to commit crimes and offences".<ref name="Hooli" />		The DMK accused Maridhas of running a website seeking donation and using the donated money "to commit crimes and offences".<ref name="Hooli" />
Line 165:		Line 165:

	===Forgery and defamation===		===Forgery and defamation===
	In July 2020, Maridhas was sued by the Vinay Sarawagi, the Associate Execute Editor of ''News18 India'' accusing Maridhas of forging a email to attempt to evoke Hindu religious sentiments, incite people to attack and commit crimes and encourage false claims with the intention of promoting hatred among religious groups and communities. Vinay stated that the fake email damaged both his reputation and that of his channel.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2020-07-24\|title=News18 fake email case: Chennai CCB books case based on channel's complaint\|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/news18-fake-email-case-chennai-ccb-books-case-based-channels-complaint-129326\|access-date=2022-01-02\|website=The News Minute\|language=en}}</ref> The Chennai Cyber Crime Branch registered a case on charges of [[forgery]], IT Act and [[Reputational damage\|damage to reputation]] against unnamed people for creating and circulating a [[Email spoofing\|fake email]]~~<ref name="TNM_2021"/>~~<ref name=":5">{{cite news		In July 2020, Maridhas was sued by the Vinay Sarawagi, the Associate Execute Editor of ''News18 India'' accusing Maridhas of forging a email to attempt to evoke Hindu religious sentiments, incite people to attack and commit crimes and encourage false claims with the intention of promoting hatred among religious groups and communities. Vinay stated that the fake email damaged both his reputation and that of his channel.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2020-07-24\|title=News18 fake email case: Chennai CCB books case based on channel's complaint\|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/news18-fake-email-case-chennai-ccb-books-case-based-channels-complaint-129326\|access-date=2022-01-02\|website=The News Minute\|language=en}}</ref> The Chennai Cyber Crime Branch registered a case on charges of [[forgery]], IT Act and [[Reputational damage\|damage to reputation]] against unnamed people for creating and circulating a [[Email spoofing\|fake email]]<ref name=":5">{{cite news
	\| last =		\| last =
	\| first =		\| first =
Line 176:		Line 176:
	\| date = 24 July 2020		\| date = 24 July 2020
	\| url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/central-crime-branch-of-chennai-city-police-registers-fir-on-complaint-from-news18-staff-member/article32180533.ece		\| url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/central-crime-branch-of-chennai-city-police-registers-fir-on-complaint-from-news18-staff-member/article32180533.ece
	\| access-date = 10 December 2021}}</ref>		\| access-date = 10 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="TNM_2021"/>

	In July 2020, Maridhas was sued by senior editor M. Gunasekaran and senior anchor Jeeva Sagapthan of ''[[News18 Tamil Nadu]]'' accusing Maridhas of defamation, publishing fake news against them and speaking about their personal lives without any evidence. They also filed a civil defamation suit of ₹1.5 crore.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web\|date=2020-07-29\|title=Blogger sued by TV channel and editor over 'baseless allegations'\|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/blogger-sued-by-tv-channel-and-editor-over-baseless-allegations-867068.html\|access-date=2022-01-02\|website=Deccan Herald\|language=en}}</ref> In the same month, ''News18 Tamil Nadu'' filed a case against Maridhas, accusing him of defaming its editor and journalists, attempting to stir communal unrest<ref name=":8">{{Cite news\|others=Special Correspondent\|date=2020-07-13\|title=Private news channel lodges complaint against YouTuber\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/private-news-channel-lodges-complaint-against-youtuber/article32061216.ece\|access-date=2022-01-02\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> and provoking and outraging the feelings Hindus.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web\|date=2021-03-05\|title=‘No compromise with YouTuber Maridhas’: Senior journalist M Gunasekaran\|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/no-compromise-youtuber-maridhas-senior-journalist-m-gunasekaran-144672\|access-date=2022-01-02\|website=The News Minute\|language=en}}</ref> The [[Madras High Court]] restricted Maridhas from posting defamatory videos against News18 Tamil Nadu and its journalists and directed him to delete all defamatory videos previously posted by him against the channel.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2020-07-29\|title=News18 and editor Gunasekaran sue Maridhas for defamation, Madras HC says remove videos\|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/news18-and-editor-gunasekaran-sue-maridhas-defamation-madras-hc-says-remove-videos-129647\|access-date=2022-01-02\|website=The News Minute\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|last=S\|first=Mohamed Imranullah\|date=2020-07-30\|title=HC directs vlogger to pull down defamatory videos against news channel\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/hc-directs-vlogger-to-pull-down-defamatory-videos-against-news-channel/article32226328.ece\|access-date=2022-01-02\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On August 2020, the Chennai police reached his house in Madurai for questioning and seized his laptop.<ref>{{Cite news\|others=Special Correspondent\|date=2020-08-02\|title=Chennai police team questions YouTuber Maridhas in Madurai\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/chennai-police-team-questions-youtuber-maridhas-in-madurai/article32250464.ece\|access-date=2022-01-03\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>		In July 2020, Maridhas was sued by senior editor M. Gunasekaran and senior anchor Jeeva Sagapthan of ''[[News18 Tamil Nadu]]'' accusing Maridhas of defamation, publishing fake news against them and speaking about their personal lives without any evidence. They also filed a civil defamation suit of ₹1.5 crore.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web\|date=2020-07-29\|title=Blogger sued by TV channel and editor over 'baseless allegations'\|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/blogger-sued-by-tv-channel-and-editor-over-baseless-allegations-867068.html\|access-date=2022-01-02\|website=Deccan Herald\|language=en}}</ref> In the same month, ''News18 Tamil Nadu'' filed a case against Maridhas, accusing him of defaming its editor and journalists, attempting to stir communal unrest<ref name=":8">{{Cite news\|others=Special Correspondent\|date=2020-07-13\|title=Private news channel lodges complaint against YouTuber\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/private-news-channel-lodges-complaint-against-youtuber/article32061216.ece\|access-date=2022-01-02\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> and provoking and outraging the feelings Hindus.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web\|date=2021-03-05\|title=‘No compromise with YouTuber Maridhas’: Senior journalist M Gunasekaran\|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/no-compromise-youtuber-maridhas-senior-journalist-m-gunasekaran-144672\|access-date=2022-01-02\|website=The News Minute\|language=en}}</ref> The [[Madras High Court]] restricted Maridhas from posting defamatory videos against News18 Tamil Nadu and its journalists and directed him to delete all defamatory videos previously posted by him against the channel.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2020-07-29\|title=News18 and editor Gunasekaran sue Maridhas for defamation, Madras HC says remove videos\|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/news18-and-editor-gunasekaran-sue-maridhas-defamation-madras-hc-says-remove-videos-129647\|access-date=2022-01-02\|website=The News Minute\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|last=S\|first=Mohamed Imranullah\|date=2020-07-30\|title=HC directs vlogger to pull down defamatory videos against news channel\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/hc-directs-vlogger-to-pull-down-defamatory-videos-against-news-channel/article32226328.ece\|access-date=2022-01-02\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On August 2020, the Chennai police reached his house in Madurai for questioning and seized his laptop.<ref>{{Cite news\|others=Special Correspondent\|date=2020-08-02\|title=Chennai police team questions YouTuber Maridhas in Madurai\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/chennai-police-team-questions-youtuber-maridhas-in-madurai/article32250464.ece\|access-date=2022-01-03\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

->Venkat TL: /* Youtube career */ runs -> operates

2022-01-09T13:43:28Z

Youtube career: runs -> operates

New page

{{Short description|Indian Tamil-language youtuber}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Maridhas Malaichamy
| other_names = {{plainlist|
}}
| image =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_date =
| birth_place = [[Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kumar
| first = N. Vinoth
| title = YouTuber Maridhas has got Tamil Nadu BJP bickering
| newspaper = The Federal
| location = Chennai
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = The Federal
| date = 13 December 2021
| url = https://thefederal.com/states/south/tamil-nadu/youtuber-maridhas-has-got-tamil-nadu-bjp-bickering/
| access-date = 16 December 2021}}</ref>
| nationality = Indian
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* [[YouTuber]]
}}
| years_active =
| spouse =
| known_for =
| website =
| module = {{Infobox YouTube personality
| embed = yes
| genre =
| channels = {{ubl
|[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN0lfcRcYiMzLzGn1SnSsXw Maridhas Answers]
}}
| subscribers = 492,000
| views =
| stats_update = 16 December 2021
}}
}}
'''Maridhas Malaichamy''',<ref>{{Cite web|last=Regi|first=Abhay|title=The Hindu Right’s purge of progressive Tamil television newsrooms|url=https://caravanmagazine.in/media/hindu-right-bjp-purge-news-18-tamil-television-newsrooms|access-date=2021-12-17|website=The Caravan|language=en}}</ref> known by his [[YouTube]] channel ''Maridhas Answers'', is a [[Right-wing politics|right-wing]] YouTuber<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-30|title=Madras High Court Issues Notice to Right-wing YouTuber Maridhas|url=https://www.newsclick.in/madras-high-court-issues-notice-right-wing-youTuber-maridhas|access-date=2022-01-03|website=NewsClick|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Dec 22|last2=2021|last3=Ist|first3=04:41|title=HC notice to police on YouTuber plea {{!}} Madurai News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/hc-notice-to-police-on-youtuber-plea/articleshow/88419911.cms|access-date=2022-01-03|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> and social media influencer from [[Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]]. He promotes the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) through his social media posts.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=கரிகாலன்|first=இரா செந்தில்|title=மாரிதாஸ் கைதுக்கு எதிர்ப்பு: சீமான் எழுப்பும் குரலுக்குப் பின்னால் இருப்பது என்ன?|url=https://www.vikatan.com/government-and-politics/politics/what-is-behind-the-voice-that-seaman-raises-for-maridhas|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-03|website=Vikatan|language=ta}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=யூடியூபர் மாரிதாஸ் மீதான வழக்கு ரத்து: உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவு|url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/tamilnadu/746981-case-against-madurai-youtube-maridas-canceled.html|access-date=2022-01-03|website=Hindu Tamil Thisai|language=ta}}</ref>

According to [[Fact-checking|fact-checkers]], Maridhas has published [[fake news]] on multiple occasions in his YouTube channel.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> Maridhas has faced numerous cases<ref name="TOI_CourtQuashesYetAnother" /><ref name="TH_HCQuashes" /> and is currently facing various cases for [[defamation]], [[forgery]], publishing fake news, promoting [[hatred]] and enmity among religious groups, among others.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" />

==Early life==
Maridhas hails from Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|title=மாரிதாஸ் என்ற பா.ஜ.க. ஆதரவு யூடியூபர் கைது|language=ta|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/tamil/india-59593477|access-date=2022-01-02}}</ref> He has a post-graduate degree in engineering and worked as a college lecturer.<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.vikatan.com/topics/maridhas-person
| title = மாரிதாஸ்
| last =
| first =
| date = n.d.
| website = Vikatan.com
| publisher = Vikatan
| access-date = 16 December 2021
| quote = }}</ref> He has written{{When|date=January 2022}} a book titled ''Why I support Narendra Modi''.<ref name="NIE_BookOnModi" />

==Youtube career==
He operates a YouTube channel named Maridhas Answers and publishes propaganda videos to promote BJP.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite news |title=YouTuber Maridhas Sued at Madras High Court by News 18 and Editor Gunasekaran {{!}} Lawsisto Legal News |url=https://lawsisto.com/legalnewsread/NzE4NQ==/YouTuber-Maridhas-Sued-at-Madras-High-Court-by-News-18-and-Editor-Gunasekaran |access-date=7 January 2022 |work=lawsisto.com}}</ref> He is also active in social media and publishes content supporting the BJP.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=கரிகாலன்|first=இரா செந்தில்|title=மாரிதாஸ் கைதுக்கு எதிர்ப்பு: சீமான் எழுப்பும் குரலுக்குப் பின்னால் இருப்பது என்ன?|url=https://www.vikatan.com/government-and-politics/politics/what-is-behind-the-voice-that-seaman-raises-for-maridhas|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-03|website=Vikatan|language=ta}}</ref> Maridhas has been critical of the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) party in social media.<ref name="NIE_BookOnModi">{{cite news
| last = Koushik
| first = Janardhan
| title = Why Maridhas, author of book on Modi, is trending on Twitter?
| newspaper = The New Indian Express
| location = Chennai
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = Express Publications
| date = 27 August 2019
| url = https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/who-is-maridhas-and-why-is-he-trending-on-twitter-dmk-5941757/
| access-date = 10 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="AM_ArrestedAgain">{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = YouTuber Maridhas Arrested Again By TN Police
| newspaper = Ahmedabad Mirror
| location =
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = Ahmedabad Mirror
| date = 16 December 2021
| url = https://ahmedabadmirror.com/youtuber-maridhas-arrested-again-by-tn-police/81814648.html
| access-date = 16 December 2021}}</ref> He is also critical of leaders who had spoken in support of [[Tamil nationalism|Tamil Nationalism]].<ref name="NIE_BookOnModi" /> He is a right-wing social media influencer.<ref name="TOI_CourtQuashesYetAnother" />

In 2020, Maridhas published a counterfeit email on July 2020, impersonating Vinay Sarawagi, the Associate Execute Editor of ''[[News18 India]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-10|title=மாரிதாஸ்-க்கு நியூஸ் 18 இமெயில் அனுப்பியதாக திட்டமிட்ட பொய்{{!}} நியூஸ்18 மறுப்பு.|url=https://youturn.in/factcheck/maridas-news18tamil-fake-mail.html|access-date=2022-01-03|website=You Turn|language=en-US}}</ref> Vinay Sarawagi later took legal action against Maridhas.<ref name="NIE_Maridhas" />

''[[The Times of India|Times of India]]'' reported that Maridhas has constantly addressed [[Journalist|Journalists]] using [[derogatory language]] such as [[Begging|beggars]], [[Bootlicker|bootlickers]], [[mercenary]] and made personal attacks against them.<ref>{{Cite web|title=நேரடியாகப் பொய் சொன்ன மாரிதாஸ்... நேரம் பார்த்து போட்டுடைத்த நியூஸ் 18|url=https://tamil.samayam.com/latest-news/state-news/what-is-the-truth-behind-maridhas-published-fake-proofs-against-news18/articleshow/76887506.cms|access-date=2022-01-03|website=Samayam Tamil|language=ta}}</ref>

=== Fake news ===
A [[International Fact Checking Network|International fact checking network]] certified fact checker, ''Youturn'', reported that Maridhas has deliberately spread fake news and rumors through his YouTube channel. The fact checker also reported that Maridhas is trying to create [[Religious violence in India|religious divisions among people in Tamil Nadu]] by releasing videos based on rumours and lies.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=2021-12-17|title=மாரிதாஸ் பரப்பிய வதந்திகள், பொய்களின் தொகுப்பு !|url=https://youturn.in/articles/maridas-fake-news-lies.html|access-date=2022-01-03|website=You Turn|language=en-US}}</ref>

Maridhas on July 2019 published fake news claiming there were less toilets for women in Tamil Nadu government schools and 25 million students were affected due the absence of Navodhya schools in Tamil Nadu. In another video, Maridhas published fake news claiming that "25 million school students were affected from 2006 to 2011 due the implementation of Samacheer Kalvi" while Samacheer Kalvi was implemented after 2011.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|date=2019-07-22|title=சமச்சீர் கல்வி தொடங்கி பள்ளிக் கழிப்பறை வரையில் மாரிதாஸ் கூறிய பொய்கள் !|url=https://youturn.in/articles/maaridas-wrong-data.html|access-date=2022-01-03|website=You Turn|language=en-US}}</ref> Maridhas on May 2021 published false news related to the Tamil Nadu government's implementation of free pass for women in public buses.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-11|title=பெண்களுக்கு இலவச பயணத்திட்டம் ஏமாற்றா ? மாரிதாஸ் மறைத்த உண்மை!|url=https://youturn.in/articles/marida-women-bus-fare-video-proof.html|access-date=2022-01-03|website=You Turn|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Lawsuits and arrests==

===Videos against MK Stalin and DMK ===
In 2019, Maridhas had published several videos critical of DMK, the [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|primary opposition party in Tamil Nadu]] at the time and its leaders. DMK registered a complaint with the local police accusing Maridhas of uploading videos "which are entirely baseless, false and intended to [[Conspiracy_(criminal)#Conspiracy_to_effect_a_public_mischief|create public mischief]]."<ref name="Hooli">{{cite news |last1=Hooli |first1=Shekhar H. |title=DMK files complaint against Hindu YouTuber Maridhas: #ISupportMaridas trends with 1 lakh plus tweets |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/dmk-files-complaint-against-hindu-youtuber-maridhas-isupportmaridas-trends-1-lakh-tweets-804336 |access-date=7 January 2022 |work=ibtimes.co.in |date=28 August 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

On 5 August 5 2019, DMK leader MK Stalin had issued a statement in which he called the manner of abrogation of Article 370 as "anti-democratic, unconstitutional and against federal principles". In their complaint, DMK accused Maridhas of purposefully misconstruing the political stand of DMK, as support for terrorists. Maridhas was "portraying Muslims in Kashmir as terrorists and, thereby, creating ill-will against that group of people... Maridhas primarily intends to disturb public tranquillity and promote enmity and incite hatred between religious groups, namely Muslims and non-Muslims. Mr Maridhas uses the recent policy statements issued by the DMK to buttress his efforts to ultimately create public mischief against Muslims, who are a minority in India."<ref name="Hooli" />

The DMK accused Maridhas of running a website seeking donation and using the donated money "to commit crimes and offences".<ref name="Hooli" />

The complaint caused social media debates among his followers and critics.<ref name="Hooli" />

===Anti-Muslim commentary===
In March 2020, Maridhas uploaded YouTube videos blaming the [[Muslims|Muslim community]] and the [[Tablighi Jamaat|Tabligi Jamaat]] for the spread of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-17|title=YouTuber Maridash held again for controversial video linking Muslims with Covid-19|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/youtuber-maridash-held-again-for-controversial-video-linking-muslims-with-covid19-101639682151356.html|access-date=2022-01-03|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> In the video, he falsely claimed without any evidence, that "''coronavirus is being purposefully transmitted by (Muslim) terrorists to slaughter innocent people all across the world.''"<ref name="TNM_2021">{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = YouTuber Maridhas arrested for 'TN turning into Kashmir' comment after chopper crash
| newspaper = The News Minute
| location = Madurai
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = The News Minute
| date = 9 December 2021
| url = https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/youtuber-maridhas-arrested-tn-turning-kashmir-comment-after-chopper-crash-158539
| access-date = 10 December 2021}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2021-12-16|title=Maridhas arrested again, this time for 2020 video on Muslims, COVID-19|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/maridhas-arrested-again-time-2020-video-muslims-covid-19-158802|access-date=2021-12-16|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref>

Maridhas was booked in April 2020 by Tirunelveli police for stoking communal sentiments on grounds of malicious comments against the [[Muslims|Muslim]] community in his YouTube channel in response to a complaint over his coronavirus videos.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-05|title=TN police book YouTuber Maridhas for communal videos on COVID-19|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tn-police-book-youtuber-maridhas-communal-videos-covid-19-121918|access-date=2021-12-16|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2020-04-05|title=T.N. man booked for making communal comments on YouTube|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tn-man-booked-for-making-communal-comments-on-youtube/article31262115.ece|access-date=2021-12-16|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Maridhas was arrested on 16 December 2021 for the case.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = YouTuber Maridhas arrested again for video connecting Tablighi Jamaat with Covid spread
| newspaper = The New Indian Express
| location = Tirunelveli
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = Express Publications
| date = 16 December 2021
| url = https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/dec/16/youtuber-maridhas-arrested-again-for-video-connecting-tablighi-jamaat-with-covid-spread-2396216.html
| access-date = 16 December 2021}}</ref> He was charged under sections 292(A) (publishing grossly indecent or scurrilous matter or matter intended for blackmail), 295(A) (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 505(ii) (statement creating or promoting enmity or ill-will between classes) of the Indian Penal Code and 67 (publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form) of the Information Technology Act. On 20 December 2021, the court ordered notice to the state and sought a response.<ref>{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = HC seeks State’s response in Maridhas’s plea to quash FIR
| newspaper = The Hindu
| location = Madurai
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = Kasturi & Sons
| date = 21 December 2021
| url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/hc-seeks-states-response-in-maridhass-plea-to-quash-fir/article38006029.ece
| access-date = 24 December 2021}}</ref>

On 22 December 2021, the Madras High Court judge [[G.R. Swaminathan]] quashed the first information report of this case citing the fact that the Tablighi Jamaat meeting already came under bitter and sharp criticism in the entire media in the earlier days of the pandemic and that a slightly exaggerated comment by Maridhas's video is acceptable. The court also observed that the video did not question the religious belief of Muslims but only attacked the "irresponsible conduct" of the Tablighi attendees of the congregation.<ref name="TOI_CourtQuashesYetAnother">{{cite news
| last = Kannan
| first = Kaushik
| title = Madras high court quashes yet another FIR against YouTuber Maridhas
| newspaper = The Times of India
| location = Madurai
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = The Times Group
| date = 23 December 2021
| url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/madras-high-court-quashes-yet-another-fir-against-youtuber-maridhas/articleshow/88453805.cms
| access-date = 24 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="TH_HCQuashes">{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = HC quashes FIR against YouTuber Maridhas
| newspaper = The Hindu
| location = Madurai
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = Kasturi & Sons
| date = 23 December 2021
| url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/youtuber/article38022659.ece
| access-date = 24 December 2021}}</ref>

===Forgery and defamation===
In July 2020, Maridhas was sued by the Vinay Sarawagi, the Associate Execute Editor of ''News18 India'' accusing Maridhas of forging a email to attempt to evoke Hindu religious sentiments, incite people to attack and commit crimes and encourage false claims with the intention of promoting hatred among religious groups and communities. Vinay stated that the fake email damaged both his reputation and that of his channel.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-24|title=News18 fake email case: Chennai CCB books case based on channel's complaint|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/news18-fake-email-case-chennai-ccb-books-case-based-channels-complaint-129326|access-date=2022-01-02|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> The Chennai Cyber Crime Branch registered a case on charges of [[forgery]], IT Act and [[Reputational damage|damage to reputation]] against unnamed people for creating and circulating a [[Email spoofing|fake email]]<ref name="TNM_2021"/><ref name=":5">{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = Crime Branch books Youtuber Maridhas for forgery, hacking
| newspaper = The Hindu
| location = Chennai
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = Kasturi & Sons
| date = 24 July 2020
| url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/central-crime-branch-of-chennai-city-police-registers-fir-on-complaint-from-news18-staff-member/article32180533.ece
| access-date = 10 December 2021}}</ref>

In July 2020, Maridhas was sued by senior editor M. Gunasekaran and senior anchor Jeeva Sagapthan of ''[[News18 Tamil Nadu]]'' accusing Maridhas of defamation, publishing fake news against them and speaking about their personal lives without any evidence. They also filed a civil defamation suit of ₹1.5 crore.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|date=2020-07-29|title=Blogger sued by TV channel and editor over 'baseless allegations'|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/blogger-sued-by-tv-channel-and-editor-over-baseless-allegations-867068.html|access-date=2022-01-02|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref> In the same month, ''News18 Tamil Nadu'' filed a case against Maridhas, accusing him of defaming its editor and journalists, attempting to stir communal unrest<ref name=":8">{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2020-07-13|title=Private news channel lodges complaint against YouTuber|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/private-news-channel-lodges-complaint-against-youtuber/article32061216.ece|access-date=2022-01-02|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> and provoking and outraging the feelings Hindus.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|date=2021-03-05|title=‘No compromise with YouTuber Maridhas’: Senior journalist M Gunasekaran|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/no-compromise-youtuber-maridhas-senior-journalist-m-gunasekaran-144672|access-date=2022-01-02|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> The [[Madras High Court]] restricted Maridhas from posting defamatory videos against News18 Tamil Nadu and its journalists and directed him to delete all defamatory videos previously posted by him against the channel.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-29|title=News18 and editor Gunasekaran sue Maridhas for defamation, Madras HC says remove videos|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/news18-and-editor-gunasekaran-sue-maridhas-defamation-madras-hc-says-remove-videos-129647|access-date=2022-01-02|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=S|first=Mohamed Imranullah|date=2020-07-30|title=HC directs vlogger to pull down defamatory videos against news channel|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/hc-directs-vlogger-to-pull-down-defamatory-videos-against-news-channel/article32226328.ece|access-date=2022-01-02|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On August 2020, the Chennai police reached his house in Madurai for questioning and seized his laptop.<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2020-08-02|title=Chennai police team questions YouTuber Maridhas in Madurai|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/chennai-police-team-questions-youtuber-maridhas-in-madurai/article32250464.ece|access-date=2022-01-03|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
===Bipin Rawat's death===
In December 2021, Maridhas posted a controversial tweet about the [[2021 Indian Air Force Mil Mi-17 crash|Coonoor chopper crash]] that killed the [[Chief of Defence Staff (India)|Chief of Defence Staff]] [[Bipin Rawat]] and 12 others,<ref name="NIE_Maridhas">{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = YouTuber Maridhas arrested in TN for controversial tweet on crash of chopper carrying CDS
| newspaper = The New Indian Express
| location = Madurai
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = Express Publications
| date = 9 December 2021
| url = https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/dec/09/youtuber-maridhas-arrested-in-tn-for-controversial-tweet-on-crash-of-chopper-carrying-cds-2393677.html
| access-date = 9 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = Provocative post lands YouTuber in trouble
| newspaper = The Hindu
| location = Madurai
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = Kasturi & Sons
| date = 10 December 2021
| url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/provocative-post-lands-youtuber-in-trouble/article37919134.ece
| access-date = 10 December 2021}}</ref> in which he insinuated that Tamil Nadu was "turning into a Kashmir" under the DMK rule. He deleted the tweet later on.<ref name="NIE_Maridhas" /> In a separate tweet, he alleged without evidence that DMK and DK supporters had made fun of Rawat's death. On 9 December 2021, Maridhas was arrested by cyber crime police for the tweets.<ref name="NIE_Maridhas" /> BJP executives and functionaries gather in front of his house and quarrelled with the police.<ref name=":1" /> His arrest was condemned by [[Seeman (politician)|Seeman]]<ref>{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = "தம்பி மாரிதாஸ் கைதை கடுமையாக எதிர்க்கிறேன்: நாங்கள் என்னதான் பேசுவது?": சீமான் பேட்டி
| newspaper = Puthiya Thalaimurai
| location = Chennai
| pages =
| language = Tamil
| publisher = PuthiyaThalaimurai.com
| date = 9 December 2021
| url = https://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/newsview/124370/Murungaikai-Chips-Review.html
| access-date = 10 December 2021}}</ref> and Tamil Nadu BJP President [[K. Annamalai]].<ref name="TH_Maridhas">{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = Maridhas arrested by DMK out of vendetta, claims BJP chief
| newspaper = The Hindu
| location = Chennai
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = Kasturi & Sons
| date = 10 December 2021
| url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/maridhas-arrested-by-dmk-out-of-vendetta-claims-bjp-chief/article37921939.ece
| access-date = 10 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = Annamalai, Seeman slam Maridhas' arrest
| newspaper = News Today
| location = Chennai
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = News Today
| date = 10 December 2021
| url = https://newstodaynet.com/index.php/2021/12/10/annamalai-seeman-slam-maridhas-arrest/
| access-date = 11 December 2021}}</ref> His arrest was welcomed by the [[Chennai press club]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=யூடியூபர் மாரிதாஸ் கைதுக்கு சென்னை பத்திரிகையாளர் மன்றம் வரவேற்பு|url=https://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/newsview/124494/Chennai-Press-Club-has-welcomed-the-arrest-of-YouTuber-Maridas|access-date=2022-01-02|website=Puthiyathalaimurai|language=ta}}</ref> Judge G.R. Swaminathan of the Madurai bench of the [[Madras High Court]] later quashed the FIR registered against Maridhas observing that his actions did not attract the charges against him.<ref>{{cite news
| last =
| first =
| title = Court quashes FIR registered against YouTuber Maridhas
| newspaper = The Hindu
| location = Madurai
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = Kasturi & Sons
| date = 14 December 2021
| url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/court-quashes-fir-registered-against-youtuber-maridhas/article37951329.ece
| access-date = 16 December 2021}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Maridhas}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian male writers]]
[[Category:Indian political writers]]
[[Category:Indian YouTubers]]
[[Category:Male YouTubers]]
[[Category:YouTube controversies]]
[[Category:YouTube channels launched in 2018]]
[[Category:People from Madurai]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]