A Chennai court has directed the police to arrest former DMK Minister K Ponmudy and produce him before the court by 2 September in connection with a case over his controversial remarks on Shaivism, Vaishnavism and women made at a DMK public meeting last year, as reported in Dinamani.
The order was passed by Judge Sundarapandiyan of the George Town Court during the hearing of a private complaint filed against Ponmudy.
The case relates to a speech delivered by Ponmudy at a DMK public meeting in Chennai on 6 April 2025, where he allegedly made obscene and derogatory remarks about Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions as well as women.
Following the speech, Chennai Corporation Councillor Uma Anandan filed a private complaint accusing Ponmudy of promoting religious hatred, hurting religious sentiments and committing other offences under relevant provisions of law.
During the hearing, Ponmudy’s counsel sought exemption from his personal appearance before the court. However, the judge dismissed the plea and directed the police to arrest the former minister and produce him before the court on or before 2 September. The matter has been posted for further hearing on the same day.
Ponmudy’s remarks had earlier sparked widespread criticism, including from within the DMK. Amid the backlash over his comments targeting women, he was stripped of his ministerial portfolio as the then Minister for Forests.
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