Ponraj gets anticipatory bail over remarks on TVK supporters
V. Ponraj | Photo credit: Special arrangement
The Madras High Court has granted anticipatory bail to political commentator V. Ponraj in two criminal cases registered against him for allegedly making derogatory remarks against female supporters of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Justice R. Sakthivel granted the relief on the condition that the petitioner must appear before the Cyber Crime Wing in Chennai twice (Tuesday and Friday) a week. The accused was also ordered to appear before the Cuddalore police once a week (on Sundays) till further orders.
In addition to these mandatory appearances, the accused must make himself available to the police for questioning as needed and should not directly or indirectly threaten witnesses or tamper with evidence, the court ordered.
He was also ordered to provide his home address and mobile phone number to the magistrates concerned, where he had to post bail along with two sureties, and it was made clear that magistrates could take proceedings against him if any of the conditions were breached.
While noting that the intent of the accused’s statement was a matter for trial, the judge said the appellant, who claims to be a socially respectable figure, should be very careful with his choice of words when giving interviews to YouTube channels.
“In today’s digital era, once a statement is made, even on a digital platform, it cannot be easily retracted. Though the petitioner/accused claims that his statement is of public interest, he should have exercised utmost care and caution before making a statement that could prove to be morally provocative,” the court said.
Considering the fact that the petitioner has deep roots in the society and the chances of escape were less, the judge decided to grant conditional bail. He also noted that the YouTube interview containing the derogatory remarks had been deleted.
The judge directed the petitioner to furnish bail in the sum of ₹ 25,000 along with two sureties in like sum to the satisfaction of the concerned Magistrates of the Court to avail the remedy of pre-arrest bail.
Published – 23 May 2026 10:49 IST