These days, leaders have begun to think of themselves as kings : Madras HC

Madras High Court rebukes DMK leader for insulting Hindu Dharma

Chennai – ‘These days, politicians seem to believe that there are no limits to the freedom of expression granted under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. They have started considering themselves as kings and queens. In such circumstances, we, as a judicial institution, cannot simply remain silent spectators, the Madras High Court stated.

The Court emphasised that India is a democratic country composed of multiple religions and communities, and politicians must remember this when addressing the public. India does not belong solely to any one person or group — it belongs to all, and politicians are no exception. The High Court made these remarks while reprimanding DMK leader and former minister K. Ponmudi for his derogatory remarks against the Vaishnav and Shaiva traditions as well as women. The Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter. In April, during a public event, Ponmudi made a vulgar comparison involving Hindu religious symbols, equating them with obscenity.

Justice Velmurugan made it clear that if the Tamil Nadu Police fail to take action against Ponmudi, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) may be ordered to investigate.

What was the incident?

In a video that went viral on social media, Ponmudi is seen speaking at an event and telling a joke involving religious symbols. He said, ‘Women should not misunderstand this. A man visits a prostitute. She asks him, ‘Are you a Shaiva or a Vaishnav?’When the man doesn’t understand, she clarifies using the example of the tilak (forehead mark): ‘Do you wear a horizontal tilak (Shaiva) or a vertical one (Vaishnav)?’

Editorial Perspective

The Court must not stop at mere verbal condemnation — strict punishment should be imposed. Only then will such individuals think twice before committing such acts, and Hindus believe this is the only way to deter such recurring offences.