The Madras High Court has strongly criticised former DMK minister K. Ponmudy for making vulgar remarks about Vaishnavites, Saivites and women, warning that a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) could be ordered if Tamil Nadu Police fail to take appropriate action.
The comments, made by Ponmudy during a public event in April, involved an offensive anecdote linking Hindu religious identities with sexual positions. The video of his speech later went viral, sparking widespread outrage.
Hearing a suo motu writ petition, Justice Velmurugan of the High Court said, “Nowadays these politicians feel that sky’s the limit under Article 19. We can’t be mere spectators. We live in a democracy with many communities.”
The judge emphasised that politicians must remain conscious of their responsibilities while addressing the public. “Everyone must realise that they’re living among the people. Not for any particular person, not for the politician alone,” he said.
Criticising the attitude of political leaders, the court remarked, “Everyone is taking the mic and saying so many things as if they’re the king. As if no one can do anything against the king. The court cannot just watch and tolerate all this.”
Justice Velmurugan further said, “Unfortunately or fortunately, this is the first such case,” while adjourning the matter to August 1 for further hearing.
Ponmudy’s controversial comments, which were widely condemned, included a reference to women in a vulgar context. In the viral video, the former minister is seen saying, “Women, please don’t misunderstand,” before narrating a so-called joke in which a man visits a sex worker. The woman then asks the man whether he is a Shaivite or Vaishnavite.
As per the anecdote, when the man expresses confusion, the woman explains by asking whether he wears a pattai (horizontal tilak, associated with Shaivism) or a naaman (vertical tilak, associated with Vaishnavism). She then links the religious identity to sexual positions — “lying down” for Shaivites and “standing up” for Vaishnavites.
Justice Velmurugan warned that if the Tamil Nadu Police did not proceed with action against Ponmudy, the court would not hesitate to hand the case over to the CBI.
The final decision on the matter is expected to be delivered on July 8.
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