JUDGMENT : 1. We have heard Dr. Subramanian Swamy, petitioner in person and Shri Ashok H. Desai, learned senior counsel appearing for the State of Tamil Nadu. Notices in this petition were issued as the petitioner sought to raise certain questions about the propriety and permissibility of public authorities, initiating action in libel and slander against criticism of the administration. 2. It is now sited that the State Government has decided to withdraw all prosecutions initiated against the petitioner and that the matter is no longer a live issue. Dr. Swamy, however, submitted that he is not aware of any such withdrawal. We place on record the statement of Sri Ashok Desai, for the State of Tamil Nadu that the prosecutions against the petitioner will be withdrawn. In this view, the point raised is rendered academic. The writ petition is disposed of accordingly. 3. If, however, the prosecutions are not so withdrawn or if otherwise any occasion for debating these issues arise, it is open to Dr. Subramanian Swamy to file a fresh petition. In the meanwhile, if the prosecutions are not withdrawn, as recorded, there shall be liberty to the petitioner to mention.