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Synopsis

The Madras High Court, on Wednesday, took suo-motu cognizance over alleged divisive remarks made by DMK leader and TN Minister K Ponmudi.

Controversies sparked when the Forest Minister made offensive remarks relating Shaivism-Vaishnavism and women.

Earlier, Court had directed the Tamil Nadu police to register a First Information Report against State Forest Minister K. Ponmudi and also warned that failure to do so could result in suo motu contempt proceedings.

Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, who is hearing a 2023 suo-motu revision against Ponmudi’s acquittal in a disproportionate assets case, took serious note of the Minister’s recent public comments. The judge referred to a widely circulated video clip of the speech and questioned the delay in police action, even after formal complaints had been filed.

He emphasized that the State cannot selectively act against hate speeches and must respond even when the offender is part of the government.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s firm stance on hate speech, the judge reminded that Ponmudi is already under judicial scrutiny, with the top court having stayed his conviction in another disproportionate assets case.