DMK MLA and former Tamil Nadu Minister Anitha R. Radhakrishnan was arrested on Friday, shortly after the Madras High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail petition in a criminal case registered over remarks he made against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a public meeting.
Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan rejected the anticipatory bail plea after hearing arguments from both sides, observing during the hearing that an elected legislator ought to exercise restraint while speaking about the Chief Minister, as reported in LiveLaw.
The case stems from a speech delivered by Radhakrishnan at a public meeting held in Athur near Tiruchendur on 20 June 2026, organised to mark the birth anniversary celebrations of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
According to the prosecution, Radhakrishnan made objectionable remarks targeting Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, allegedly comparing his conduct in the Assembly to that of a person who felt trapped and making comments about his life in the film industry before entering politics.
Following a complaint, the police registered a case under Section 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and Section 353(2) (statements conducing to public mischief). Apprehending arrest, Radhakrishnan approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail.
Court Questions Remarks Made By Legislator
During the hearing, the court orally questioned the nature of the speech delivered by the DMK MLA.
“Being a member of the legislative assembly, what kind of speech you’ve spoken? Whoever it maybe, you have to respect the CM,” the court orally observed.
The court also noted Tamil Nadu’s long political history of electing leaders from the film industry and questioned the relevance of Radhakrishnan’s comments.
“In state of TN, since 1967, people from the cinema are being voted. Then why are you making these statements? You’re not a layman. You’re a member of the assembly,” the court orally remarked.
Defence Says Remarks May Amount To Defamation, Not Public Mischief
Appearing for Radhakrishnan, Senior Advocate N.R. Elango argued that the speech did not satisfy the legal ingredients required for the offences invoked by the police.
He submitted that there was neither any provocation nor any intention to disturb public peace or promote hatred.
Elango contended that even if the remarks were defamatory, the law prescribes a separate legal procedure for defamation, which should have been followed instead of invoking criminal provisions relating to public mischief.
“Whatever he has spoken may be defamation. But not these sections. There’s a procedure contemplated for defamation. I’m not saying it’s not defamatory. It is defamatory. But the procedure for defamation has to be followed. If a statement is made in connection with public duty, the prosecutor can file. If it’s not in connection with official functions and relates to private life, a complaint can be given in an individual capacity. This is not the way the police should use their powers,” Elango argued.
When the defence argued that there had been no provocation, the court observed that the complaint itself indicated that the speech had provoked objections.
State Opposes Bail, Cites Lack Of Remorse
Opposing the anticipatory bail plea, the State argued that Radhakrishnan had shown no remorse for his remarks even during the proceedings.
The prosecution maintained that the comments were directed against the office of the Chief Minister and argued that permitting such conduct would set an undesirable precedent.
“He should not have made such statements. Should have exercised restraint. Even today, there is no remorse. Today we’re dealing with the office of CM. Can we let any Tom, Dick and Harry to make comments against the CM?” the State submitted.
After considering the rival submissions, Justice Ilanthiraiyan dismissed the anticipatory bail petition.
Arrested Following Bail Rejection
Following the High Court’s refusal to grant anticipatory bail, police arrested Radhakrishnan later on Friday, 3 July 2026, in connection with the case.
Ex-MINISTER ANITHA S RADHAKRISHNAN ARRESTED
DMK former minister and MLA Anitha R. Radhakrishnan was arrested by the police on Friday after the Madras High Court cancelled his anticipatory bail plea earlier in the day.
The case was registered over inflammatory remarks he made… pic.twitter.com/C4pTdBkNuD
— A Selvaraj (@Crime_Selvaraj) July 3, 2026
Ex-MINISTER ANITHA S RADHAKRISHNAN ARRESTED
DMK former minister and MLA Anitha R. Radhakrishnan was arrested by the police on Friday after the Madras High Court cancelled his anticipatory bail plea earlier in the day.
The case was registered over inflammatory remarks he made… pic.twitter.com/GAdxyTE8Ed
— A Selvaraj (@Crime_Selvaraj) July 3, 2026
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