Udhagamandalam: The Judicial Magistrate Court here today issued non-bailable warrants against eight Tamil film actors, including Sathyaraj and Surya. The warrant was issued as they failed to appear before it in connection with a case where they tarnished the image of journalists some seven years ago.

The prosecution case was that the actors – Sathyaraj, Surya, Vijayakumar, Sarathkumar, Cheran, Vivek, Sripriya and Arun Vijayakunmar – had during a press conference denigrated the media and press persons and spoke ill about them.

This was in connection with a report of an actress arrested in connection with a flesh trade case.

Based on the reports, one Rizario Maris Susai had filed a petition seeking action against these actors in 2010.

Though the court issued orders, the actors failed to appear before it, as they had filed a case in Madras High Court seeking dismissal of the case. However, the high court refused to dismiss the case, following which the magistrate court again summoned the actors.

Since they failed to appear in court, Magistrate Senthilkumar Rajavelu today issued warrants and posted the case for hearing on June 17.