Tamil Malar has courted flak for publishing a photograph of Deputy Youth and Sports Minister M Saravanan fulfilling a religious vow during Thaipusam with a headline deemed as mocking Hinduism on its front-page.

The headline was based on a Tamil song.

In a statement today, MIC information chief VS Mohan lambasted Tamil Malar for "using religion to settle political scores."

"It would not be a lie to say the report has insulted all Hindus. It is common for Hindus to pay penance to the Gods. This is what Saravanan did. How is it acceptable to publish a photograph of him doing this with a Tamil dance number's title? MIC strongly condemns this.

"The police have spoken to both parties involved in the squabble and investigations are ongoing. Thus, by continuing to publish such reports, Tamil Malar has gone out of character," he said...