The Madras High Court has denied anticipatory bail to Anitha R. Radhakrishnan for his objectionable remarks against CM Vijay

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Legislator from Tiruchendur R. Anitha Radhakrishnan | Photo credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

The Madras High Court on Friday (July 3, 2026) refused to grant anticipatory bail to former Minister and sitting Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Member of Legislative Assembly Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, representing Tiruchendur constituency in a case booked by Authoor police in Thoothukudi district for raising objections against Minister Vija CC

Judge GK Ilanthiraiyan rejected the anticipatory bail application after reading a transcript of the speech produced by the prosecution and expressing displeasure at the remarks. The judge asked how a former minister and sitting MLA could use such derogatory language against the elected chief minister. “He is not a layman, should he not respect the position of chief minister?” asked the judge.

Counsel for the petitioner argued that even if the speech was defamatory, it would not attract the offenses under which the police registered the First Information Report (FIR).

The petitioner was accused of trying to create enmity between various groups through his speech, although his remarks did not reveal any prima facie intention, the counsel said.

On the other hand, the government counsel told the court that the petitioner had made highly objectionable and unacceptable statements against the Chief Minister and his remarks could have escalated into a clash between the DMK and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam cadres had the police not registered an FIR immediately after the public event organized by the DMK.

The counsel also said that the seven-time MLA was not expected to speak in such a manner against the Chief Minister.

After hearing both sides, the judge issued a detailed order stating that he found no reason to grant bail relief to the petitioner. The anticipatory bail application was filed in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court and transferred to the headquarters in Chennai.

In his petition, Mr. Radhakrishnan stayed the arrest in a case under Sections 352 (intentional insult with intent to cause breach of peace) and 353(2) (act of statement with intent to cause enmity, hatred or ill-will between different groups) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The Tiruchendur legislator said he had been voicing his concerns on various public issues since he belonged to the primary opposition party in the state. Addressing a public meeting organized by his party on 20 June 2026, he spoke about the displeasure among the people against the actions of the ruling party (TVK) and its chairman.

“As a veteran politician and sitting MLA, the petitioner was concerned only with the welfare of the state,” but the police complaint was filed with a political motive, the petitioner alleged. Stating that he was willing to abide by any condition imposed by the court and also to furnish substantial sureties, the applicant urged the court to grant him anticipatory bail in case of his arrest.

Published – July 3, 2026 12:02 PM IST