Thu Apr 17 10:27:47 UTC 2025: ## Madras High Court Questions Minister Over Hate Speech
**Chennai, April 17, 2025** – The Madras High Court today questioned Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy regarding a derogatory speech targeting Saivites, Vaishnavites, and women. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh expressed displeasure over the Minister’s remarks, which were circulated on social media, and questioned whether any criminal action had been taken by the Tamil Nadu police.
The judge’s inquiry arose during the hearing of a suo motu revision petition related to Mr. Ponmudy’s acquittal in a disproportionate assets case. Justice Venkatesh noted that the Minister’s statements appeared deliberate, not a simple slip of the tongue, and highlighted the Supreme Court’s strong stance against hate speech. He also pointed out that Mr. Ponmudy’s sentence in another disproportionate assets case was suspended conditionally, and this suspension could be revoked if he violated those conditions.
The judge directed the Advocate General to verify with the Director General of Police by the end of the day what steps, if any, have been taken against the Minister for his controversial remarks.
First Piper 