The Madras High Court on Thursday came down heavily on Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy over his controversial public remarks targeting Saivites, Vaishnavites, and women. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, who is hearing a suo motu revision petition against the Minister’s acquittal in a disproportionate assets case, questioned the Tamil Nadu government on the inaction over the speech and sought a clear update on whether an FIR had been registered.
Referring to video clips of the Minister’s remarks circulated on social media, Justice Venkatesh observed that the statements were not accidental. “The person who made the comment is accepting the comment,” he said, rejecting the notion that the matter could be resolved with a mere apology.
#MadrasHC asks state to register FIR against Minister #Ponmudi based on a complaint
Justice Anand Venkatesh: If they don't, then I'll initiate suo motu pic.twitter.com/8AjGxY1eEt— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 17, 2025
Calling the remarks “damaging content,” the judge said, “It cannot just go on and on. We don’t know when it’ll flare up. This is a cognisance taken by court. The moment I enter into this, it’ll get a different colour. I don’t want that to happen.”
He directed Advocate General P.S. Raman to verify with the Director General of Police by Thursday evening regarding the action taken so far. Emphasizing the seriousness of the issue, Justice Venkatesh said the state must act, failing which he would be compelled to take suo motu action. “If they don’t [register an FIR], then I’ll initiate suo motu,” he warned.
The court made it clear that only one FIR needed to be filed and instructed the government to proceed. “At least in future, somebody should not venture to make such spurious statements like this, holding a position of that stature,” the judge said.
He stressed that the law must apply equally, regardless of political affiliation. “Somebody must hesitate to do that in future. They shouldn’t think — when I belong to some other party, I will be held, but if I belong to the ruling party, I can talk anything. That impression should never be given. Law is for everybody,” he stated.
Justice Venkatesh also noted that when the government takes swift action on hate speech by opposition members or critics, it must apply the same standards to those within its own ranks. “It’s not some ordinary thing which he uttered. We all heard it,” he said.
The High Court has now directed the state to report by 23 April 2025 whether an FIR has been filed against Minister Ponmudy based on the complaint.
(With inputs from The Hindu)