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Court noted that instead of criticizing the police officer, accused persons targeted his wife with sexually charged remarks and morphed images, reflecting misogyny that fuels crimes against women
The Madras High Court on September 5, 2024, granted anticipatory bail to Durai Murugan @ Sattai Durai Murugan, an accused in two criminal cases, related to hate comments made on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The cases were lodged over offensive comments made by party members affiliated with Murugan following a social media post by a police officer.
The cases were registered for offences under various Sections of Bharathiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. Murugan, apprehending arrest, sought pe-arrest bail in the cases.
The police officer, the defacto complainant in the case, expressed his displeasure over a press interview given by Murugan and made an online post on X. This post triggered several vulgar and misogynistic comments from the members of the political party of which Murugan is President, targeting the officer and his family, particularly his wife, with sexually offensive remarks and morphed images.
The bench of Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy rejected the notion that the police officer’s post on X was part of his official duty.
Court observed that the officer should be treated as any other individual commenting on a social media platform.
Despite this, court expressed strong disapproval of the offensive comments made by the accused persons, labeling them as "unparliamentary, disgusting, and unpalatable."
Court condemned the remarks, particularly the targeted attacks on the officer’s wife, stating that such actions reflect a deep-seated misogyny and disrespect towards women.
Court further emphasized that these acts of online harassment contribute to a broader culture of violence against women and need to be addressed sternly.
Citing ancient Tamil literature, Justice Chakravarthy stressed the emotional and psychological damage such comments can cause.
Since Durai Murugan himself had not directly posted the offensive comments, court decided to grant him anticipatory bail with stringent conditions.
Court ordered Murugan to appear before the police daily for a set period and post a bond of Rs. 10,000 with two sureties.
Court warned that failure to comply with the conditions could result in the cancellation of bail.
Case Title: Durai Murugan @ Sattai Durai Murugan v. The Inspector of Police
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