The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu police to file an FIR against Forest Minister K Ponmudi by April 23, following his alleged derogatory remarks targeting Saivites, Vaishnavites, and women during a recent public speech.
If the police fail to comply, the court warned it would initiate suo motu proceedings.
Justice N Anand Venkatesh, presiding over the matter, was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning Ponmudi’s controversial remarks, in which he allegedly used a vulgar analogy to equate religious symbols with sex work.
“There is no escape from this. Don’t register multiple FIRs. Just register one FIR and proceed with it. The law is for everybody. When the government takes others’ hate speeches seriously, the same must be done when a minister himself makes it,” states Justice N Anand Venkatesh
PIL Seeks Disqualification & Prosecution Of Ponmudi
The PIL was filed by B Jagannath, a practising advocate and a Vaishnavite Hindu, who called for Ponmudi’s disqualification and criminal prosecution. He accused the minister of making hate speech that insulted fundamental Hindu beliefs and mocked Sanatan Dharma using an offensive reference to prostitutes.
The petitioner claimed that the minister had violated his constitutional oath and tarnished the secular values of his office. According to the affidavit, the speech was designed to incite communal disharmony, and it questioned whether the event had received proper police clearance.
Allegations Of Political Shielding & Corruption
Jagannath further alleged that the police had failed to act due to political pressure, highlighting a history of controversial remarks and legal troubles involving the minister. The PIL noted that although Ponmudi was recently removed from his post as Deputy General Secretary of the DMK, he continued to serve in the cabinet.
The petition also referenced a 2024 Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation, which provisionally attached assets worth ₹14.21 crore linked to Ponmudi and his family. The case concerns illegal red earth mining, where licenses were allegedly issued during his tenure as Mines Minister to his son and close associates. Proceeds from the mining operations were reportedly diverted to foreign entities.
Backlash From Political Circles
The minister’s recent comments triggered widespread criticism, including from within his own party. Notably, DMK MP Kanimozhi, sister of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, publicly condemned his remarks, adding to the mounting pressure on the government to act.
As the High Court’s deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Tamil Nadu police to see whether they will register the FIR or compel the judiciary to take further action on its own.
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