The Madras High Court has directed the police to file a case against Tamil Nadu Minister A Ponmudy for allegedly making derogatory and hate-filled speeches targeting women and religious communities.
Justice Anand Venkatesh emphasised that the law applies to everyone and stated that hate speeches made by ministers should be treated with the same seriousness as those made by others.
"The law is for everyone. When the government takes hate speeches of others seriously, hate speeches by ministers too should be taken seriously," he remarked, instructing the police to file a First Information Report (FIR) against the state Forest Minister.
The controversy surrounding Ponmudy began with remarks he made about Shaivism and Vaishnavism in the context of a sex worker at a public meeting. His comments sparked widespread criticism, including from within his own party. Notably, DMK Member of Parliament Kanimozhi expressed her disapproval of the statements.
In response to the backlash, DMK President and Chief Minister MK Stalin removed Ponmudy from his position as the party's deputy general secretary, although Ponmudy later issued an apology for his "inappropriate remarks."
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The Madras High Court took up the issue suo motu and scheduled further hearings for April 23. The court’s directive to file a police case comes at a time when protests have erupted, particularly from women workers of the opposition AIADMK.
AIADMK Women's Wing leader Gayathri Raghuram voiced strong criticism of Ponmudy, accusing him of repeatedly making such controversial statements. She demanded his removal from his ministerial position, claiming that his apology was part of a habitual pattern and that the action taken by the DMK was merely a "whitewash." Raghuram also referenced the treatment of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, known as "Amma," by the DMK, suggesting that the party’s actions were insincere.
In his apology issued on Saturday, Ponmudy acknowledged that he had used "inappropriate words" and expressed regret for his comments. He stated, "I sincerely apologise for the inappropriate words I used while speaking at an event organised by the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam.
I immediately felt deep regret for the inappropriate remarks I had made. As someone who has been in public life for a long time, I am deeply sorry for this lapse in judgment." He further expressed his sorrow for the hurt caused and emphasised his sincere regret for the embarrassing situation his words had created, offering heartfelt apologies to all those affected by his remarks.
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