A fresh legal challenge has surfaced in the Madras High Court as Advocate B. Jaganath has filed a petition seeking the removal and disqualification of Tamil Nadu's Minister for Forests, K Ponmudi. The plea accuses the minister of making derogatory remarks against Saivism, Vaishnavism, and women during a recent public event.
According to the petition, Ponmudi’s statements were made while addressing a gathering organized by the Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam in April 2025. Advocate Jaganath highlighted that during his speech, the Minister allegedly insulted women by calling them "osi" — a term meaning "freeloader" — while criticizing the state’s free bus travel scheme for women.
The lawyer also told the court that Ponmudi, while narrating a conversation between a prostitute and a customer, used language and remarks that were offensive to the traditions of Saivism and Vaishnavism, particularly about the way devotees apply "Vibhuthi" (sacred ash) and other religious symbols.
"Such statements are patently violative of constitutional principles and disrespect the oath of office taken by an elected representative," the petition argued.
Jaganath further pointed out that the Minister's remarks sparked significant political outrage, prompting the DMK party to temporarily remove Ponmudi from his position as the Deputy General Secretary. The petitioner described the comments asgrotesque, shameful, and deeply derogatory, and stressed that a sitting Minister making such a statement deserved the strongest and harshest punishment.
The plea also informed the court that Jaganath had lodged a formal complaint with the police against Ponmudi. In addition to the police complaint, the lawyer had submitted a written request to the Chief Minister, urging immediate action to strip Ponmudi of all constitutional responsibilities and positions.
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Jaganath did not stop at the speech alone but also criticized the nature of the event itself. He argued that the meeting was clearly designed to target Hindu beliefs, especially Sanatana Dharma, and foster hatred against Hindus in the name of political activism. The petition questioned whether the event had been lawfully permitted by the Tamil Nadu police and expressed suspicion over possible political interference in allowing such gatherings.
The Minister, holding a constitutional position, is expected to uphold dignity and constitutional values in public life,"the petitioner emphasized.
The plea also underlined that the Constitution of India does not allow hate speech to be masked under the banners of secularism or freedom of speech. Jaganath reminded the court that under Article 99 and Article 188, elected lawmakers are bound to maintain the dignity of their office and remain committed to serving the people, respecting the Constitution at all times.
Highlighting his personal stake in the matter, Jaganath stated that Ponmudi’s speech had affected his fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. On this basis, he asserted that he had the legal standing (locus) to approach the court and seek intervention.
The petition now awaits consideration by the Madras High Court, which will decide whether the Minister's comments violated constitutional norms and whether his removal from office is justified.
