Court acquits DMK leader Ponmudy in ‘defamatory’ religious remarks case after complainant withdraws petition

The Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court acquitted former Tamil Nadu minister and DMK leader K. Ponmudy of charges related to alleged derogatory remarks regarding Shaivism and Vaishnavism after the complainant withdrew her private petition after Ponmudy issued a public apology.

Metropolitan Magistrate III, George Town, C. Sundarapandian, pronounced the sentence on September 23, saying the prosecution had failed to prove the charges against Mr. Ponmudy beyond reasonable doubt.

The case arose out of Mr. Ponmudy’s speech on April 6, 2025 at Anbagam, DMK Youth Wing headquarters at Anna Salai, Teynampet, during the centenary celebrations of party member Thiruvarur Thangaraj.

At the event, Mr. Ponmudy allegedly compared religious symbols worn by Shaivites and Vaishnavites to sexual positions while recounting an anecdote involving a sex worker. The speech was uploaded on Neerthirai’s YouTube channel and circulated on social media platforms.

After a public outcry, the DMK stripped Mr. Ponmudy of the party post of deputy general secretary. He later resigned as minister.

Uma Anandan, a BJP councillor, filed a complaint saying the remarks deliberately insulted Hindu beliefs and hurt religious sentiments. She alleged that Mr. Ponmudy’s speech promoted hatred and ill will against the Hindu religion.

As the Nungambakkam police failed to take any action, she filed a private complaint on 12 June 2025 in the XVIII Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Saidapet. The complaint was subsequently referred to a special court designed to hear cases involving elected MPs and MLAs and later to the III Metropolitan Magistrate Court, George Town, following changes in the court’s jurisdiction.

During the proceedings, Mr. Ponmudy pleaded not guilty and requested a trial. His lawyer argued that the ingredients needed to prove the crimes were not produced. There were not two identifiable groups between which enmity was fostered to attract Section 196(1)(a). a), and the charges did not meet the requirements of § 299 and 302, the defense stated. It also claimed that prior sanction under Section 217 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) was not obtained.

However, during her investigation, Ms. Anandan filed a motion to withdraw the complaint along with an affidavit.

In a statement, Ms. Anandan said she decided to withdraw the case after he publicly apologized for his statements and assured that he would not make such statements in the future.

She further told the court that Mr Ponmudy had personally expressed his remorse and asked for her forgiveness in order to maintain harmony in the society. Considering his age and health, she said she made the decision voluntarily.

She also said she did not wish to pursue the case further and had no objection to its dismissal or Mr. Ponmudy’s acquittal.

The court took note of the recantation of the applicant and her testimony and decided that there was no purpose in keeping the case for trial. He concluded that the prosecution had not established the charges beyond reasonable doubt and acquitted Mr Ponmudy.

The court also noted the applicant’s motion to withdraw.

Published – November 6, 2026 10:50 PM IST