Madras HC Warns Of CBI Probe Against Ex-Minister Ponmudy Over Controversial Remarks

Chennai: Senior DMK leader K Ponmudy, who lost his ministership as well as party post following his controversial remarks mocking Saivite and Vaishnavite symbols in April, faced fresh trouble on Friday as the Madras High Court warned it would be constrained to order a CBI probe if the Tamil Nadu police did not act on complaints against him.

Justice P Velmurugan said he would take a final call on July 8 on a suo motu writ petition initiated by the High Court against the former Minister at the instance of Justice N Anand Venkatesh in April.

Ponmudy had narrated an anecdote linking sexual positions with the symbols of Saivites and Vaishanivites while speaking at a meeting organised by the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, a rationalist outfit. After the video clip of his speech went viral, it had triggered strong reactions including from DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi. Party president and Chief Minister M K Stalin had tried damage control by removing from the post of deputy general secretary of DMK.

Later under fire from the High Court, Ponmudy was forced to quit from the Cabinet as well.

On Friday, Advocate General Raman told the court the police had received only three complaints before the suo motu proceedings. They were closed as no cognisable offence was made out. However, after the court took up the matter, 112 complaints were received from different parts of the State and the same were under consideration.