Overview

• The Madras High Court directed Tamil Nadu police to file an FIR against Forest Minister K. Ponmudy for his derogatory remarks about women and religious sects or face contempt charges.
• Justice N. Anand Venkatesh stated the remarks were made with full awareness and deemed a public apology insufficient to address the issue.
• The court referenced Ponmudy’s suspended conviction in a disproportionate assets case, warning that his conduct could lead to the revocation of the suspension.
• Ponmudy was removed from his role as DMK deputy general secretary on April 11 following widespread backlash over his April 6 speech in Villupuram.
• The Advocate General has been instructed to report by Thursday evening on the steps taken by the police against Ponmudy.