The recent arrest of actress Kasthuri by the Tamil Nadu police has drawn attention not only to the legal aspects of the case but also to its emotional and humanitarian dimensions. A fellow mother of a special child, Kamatchi Swaminathan, All India Vice President of Saksham—an organization dedicated to the differently-abled—has come forward with a heartfelt appeal for Kasthuri’s release on bail. It is noteworthy that Kamatchi Swaminathan is the wife of Hon’ble Justice GR Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court.
While refraining from commenting on the specifics of the criminal case against the actress, Kamatchi highlighted Kasthuri’s challenges as a single parent raising a son with autism. She underscored the immense difficulties faced daily by children with special needs and their caregivers, urging the courts to adopt a compassionate approach in this situation.
“As a mother of a differently-abled child myself, I understand the constant struggles faced by parents like Kasthuri. Daily life is a challenge, and children with autism require immense care and attention, which is even more daunting for a single parent,” Kamatchi shared in her statement.
Kamatchi, driven by a sense of moral obligation, extended her solidarity to Kasthuri, emphasizing the broader need for society and institutions to support families of differently-abled individuals. “We hope the judiciary will consider the child’s condition when deciding on her bail,” she added, making a fervent appeal on behalf of special parents everywhere.
An appeal from Ms. Kamatchi Swaminathan, wife of Justice GR Swaminathan of #MadrasHighCourt pic.twitter.com/aQNtpOYDhF
— Mohamed Imranullah S (@imranhindu) November 19, 2024
Actress Kasthuri Shankar’s controversial arrest has raised concerns about state oppression. Despite apologizing for her remarks, which were made during a protest in Chennai on 3 November 2024, the government pursued a deliberate witch hunt, even sending a special team from Greater Chennai Police to arrest her at her home in Hyderabad.
The police team from Chennai apprehended her in Narsingi, Hyderabad, on 17 November 2024. Kasthuri had allegedly made offensive remarks about Telugu-speaking communities during the protest, leading to a complaint by the All India Telugu Federation. She was charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code related to promoting enmity and causing public alarm. Additionally, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court rejected her request for anticipatory bail in another case involving alleged disparaging remarks against women from a specific community.
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