New Delhi3 minutes ago
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After the disputed statement came out, DMK removed Minister Ponmudi from the post of party Deputy Secretary.
The Madras High Court questioned the Tamil Nadu Forest Minister Ponmudi to publicly comment against Shaiva, Vaishnav and women in general. The court wanted to know what action the Tamil Nadu police have taken against him.
The High Court was hearing a review petition taken in 2023 against Ponmudi being acquitted in disproportionate assets case. Meanwhile, the judge called Advocate General PS Raman and expressed displeasure over Ponmudi’s pornographic and condemnable remarks.
Citing viral video on social media, the judge said that it seems that the minister had said these things in full senses. It does not seem that his tongue was slipped which he publicly apologized and sidelined the whole matter.
The Madras High Court has warned the police to either register an FIR against Tamil Nadu Minister Ponmudi or face contempt. The next hearing of the case will be on 23 April.
Judge said- DGP will take action by evening
Justice Venkatesh said that the Supreme Court has taken strict action on the Hate Speech. Ponmudi was also suspended on the basis of certain conditions of good conduct, if he was found guilty in a case.
Justice Venkatesh has asked the Attorney General to tell the Director General of Police about the steps taken so far against the minister till Thursday evening.
The statement that was disputed …
In a video, Ponmudi is heard saying- women, please do not understand it. After this Ponmudi spoke in a funny tone. He told that a man went to a sex worker. The woman asked the man whether he is Shaiva or Vaishnav.
Ponmudi further said- if the man did not understand, then the woman asked him if he applies Pattai (the cum tilak, who applies Shaiva) or the name (straight tilak, who applies Vaishnav). The woman explains to him that if you are Shaiva then the situation is lying down. If there are Vaishnavas then there was a standing situation.
Apology came out on 12 April
Ponmudi’s apology came to light on 12 April after the dispute escalated. In which he said- I apologize honestly for the inappropriate words said during the program of Thanathi Periyar Dravid Kazhagam. I was deeply saddened by the unfair comments I made. I am sorry that my speech hurt many people and created a shameful situation for them. I once again apologize to all those who have been hurt by my words.
The minister was dismissed from the post of punishment in corruption case
Earlier, Ponmudi has been removed from the cabinet after a sentence in a case related to disproportionate assets. He was again included in the cabinet after the Supreme Court stayed his sentence last year. However, he has not yet been removed from the post of minister in the recent case.