Madras High Court Suspends Proceedings Against Former Minister K Ponmudy Over Controversial Remarks

Court Halts Legal Action Against K Ponmudy

On Thursday, the Madras High Court issued a temporary stay on the legal proceedings involving former Tamil Nadu Minister K Ponmudy, who is facing allegations of making defamatory statements regarding women and two Hindu sects.

Justice AD Jagadish Chandira granted this interim relief following Ponmudy's request to pause the proceedings until his appeal to dismiss a magistrate court's acknowledgment of the complaint is resolved.

The court also permitted Ponmudy to be excused from further appearances before the magistrate.

The controversy originated from comments made by Ponmudy during an event in Chennai on April 6.

A widely circulated video captured the former minister allegedly associating sexual positions with the Hindu sects of Shaivism and Vaishnavism, framed within a joke about a sex worker and her client.

On April 17, 2025, the High Court instructed the Tamil Nadu police to file a first information report against Ponmudy. When no action was taken, the court initiated suo motu proceedings, asserting that his remarks constituted 'hate speech.'

By September 16, the court concluded the proceedings after the Tamil Nadu government reported that all complaints had been thoroughly investigated and found lacking in incriminating evidence.

However, the court allowed complainants to seek recourse from the relevant magistrates regarding the closure of their complaints.

In response, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Uma Anandan filed a complaint with the Metropolitan Magistrate in Chennai, arguing that Ponmudy should face charges under sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for inciting enmity among different groups and for actions intended to provoke religious sentiments.

Despite Ponmudy's legal team challenging the validity of the complaint, the magistrate acknowledged the case, determining that there was sufficient evidence against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader.

Ponmudy subsequently appealed to the High Court regarding this decision.

Following public backlash over his comments, Ponmudy was dismissed from his position as deputy general secretary of the DMK by Chief Minister MK Stalin on April 11.

On April 27, he resigned from his role as the state's forest minister amid criticism from both the Madras High Court and within the DMK.