The Madras high court on Thursday quashed the Tamil Nadu government's 2002 notification declaring the entire state as a disturbed area under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and consequently, the case against R R Gopal, editor of the Tamil bi-weekly 'Nakkeeran.'

• SC cancels Nakkeeran editor Gopal's bail

Gopal was booked under the provision. Giving the order on a petition filed by Gopal challenging the notification, a division bench comprising Justice P K Mishra and Justice S Ashok Kumar, held that the notification was issued in a "mechanical manner."

They, however, held that the order would not prevent the journalist from being charged under other provisions.

Gopal was taken into custody by the Tamil Nadu police crime-branch on April 11, 2002 in connection with a murder case. Later, he was booked for allegedly possessing an "unlicensed" revolver and a pamphlet supporting the banned Tamil Nadu Liberation Army.

He was detained under the POTA on April 16, 2003 and charged under various sections.