Filmmaker and Naam Thamizhar Iyakkam supreme Seeman, who was arrested a few days ago on charges of making an ‘inflammatory speech’, has moved the Principal Sessions Judge court in Chennai seeking bail.

In his petition, Seeman said that his speech at a protest meeting within the limits of the North Beach Police Station was made only to express his dissent against the government for “not taking any action” in the matter relating to the killing of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.

He denied the allegation that he had spoken in a provocative manner to create disharmony among Sinhalese and Tamils. “My speech would not fall under the offence as alleged by the prosecution. Freedom of speech was a fundamental right,” he said.

Seeman was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on July 12 for alleged offences under section 153 (A) (1) (Promoting enmity between different groups) and 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) IPC read with 13 (1) (b) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.