Madras HC orders FIR against TN Minister Ponmudy for derogatory speech
Justice Venkatesh ordered Advocate General PS Raman to check with the DGP by Thursday evening whether a criminal case has been filed against Ponmudy
Justice N Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court on Thursday (April 17) ordered the Tamil Nadu Police to register an FIR against Forest Minister K Ponmudy for his derogatory speech targeting women and religious denominations, warning that failure to comply would lead to suo motu action by the court.
Also read: TN Minister Ponmudy apologises for his 'inappropriate remarks'
On April 8, Ponmudy made a controversial speech at a Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam event in Villupuram.
Ponmudy's apology rejected
He made sexually explicit remarks about Hindu sects Shaivism and Vaishnavism and derogatory comments about women, which were widely shared on social media.
Also read: Ponmudy sacked from party post
Justice Venkatesh rejected Ponmudy’s April 12 apology, stating, “These were not a slip of the tongue.” The judge emphasised that hate speech is intolerable, comparing it to corruption, and noted that if anyone else had made such remarks, they would have faced 50 legal cases by now.
He added that legal action has already been initiated against actress Kasturi, BJP leaders H Raja and K Annamalai in matters of hate speech.
The court pointed out Ponmudy’s fragile legal position. The minister is on bail after a 2023 conviction in a separate disproportionate assets case, with the Supreme Court suspending his sentence on the condition of good behaviour.
PIL against Ponmudy
Justice Venkatesh ordered Advocate General PS Raman to check with the Director General of Police (DGP) by Thursday evening whether a criminal case has been filed against Ponmudy. The judge highlighted the unfairness in accountability, stating that a non-minister would likely face immediate legal consequences for the same remarks.
The speech has sparked widespread anger. A Public Interest Litigation filed by advocate B. Jagannath demands Ponmudy’s removal from the Tamil Nadu Cabinet, pointing to his insults against religious symbols like Thiruneeru (sacred ash) and Thiruman (Vaishnavite mark), as well as earlier derogatory comments about women using free bus services. Hindu groups, including the Tamil Nadu Saiva Vellalar Sangam, have lodged complaints with the Mayiladuthurai police, accusing Ponmudy of promoting enmity and hurting religious sentiments.
The DMK removed Ponmudy as Deputy General Secretary on April 11, replacing him with Tiruchi Siva.
Ponmudy has a history of making controversial statements, including offensive remarks about Hindi-speaking vendors in 2022.