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

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Updated - November 07, 2026 12:02 am IST - CHENNAI

A Metropolitan Magistrate court has acquitted former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader K. Ponmudy of charges related to alleged derogatory remarks concerning Shaivism and Vaishnavism, following the complainant’s withdrawal of her private petition after Ponmudy issued a public apology.

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

The case arose from a speech Mr. Ponmudy gave on April 6, 2025, at Anbagam, the DMK Youth Wing headquarters on Anna Salai, Teynampet, during a centenary celebration of party member Thiruvarur Thangaraj.

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

Following public outrage, the DMK stripped Mr. Ponmudy of his party post as deputy general secretary. He later resigned as Minister.

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

Since the Nungambakkam Police did not take any action, she filed a private complaint before the XVIII Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Saidapet, on June 12, 2025. The complaint was subsequently transferred to the special court designated to try 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 sought trial. His counsel argued that the ingredients required to establish the offences were not made out. There were no two identifiable groups between whom enmity had been promoted to attract Section 196(1)(a), and the allegations did not satisfy the requirements of Sections 299 and 302, the defence submitted. It also contended that prior sanction under Section 217 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) had not been obtained.

However, during her examination, Ms. Anandan submitted a petition seeking withdrawal of the complaint along with an affidavit.

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

She further told the court that Mr. Ponmudy had personally expressed regret and sought her forgiveness in the interest of maintaining communal harmony. Considering his age and health condition, she said she took the decision voluntarily.

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

Taking note of the complainant’s withdrawal and her testimony, the court held that there was no useful purpose in keeping the case pending. It concluded that the prosecution failed to establish the charges beyond a reasonable doubt and acquitted Mr. Ponmudy.

The court also recorded the complainant’s withdrawal petition.

Published - November 06, 2026 10:50 pm IST

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