The Madras High Court has issued notices to the Director General of Police and the Commissioner of Police (Greater Chennai) in connection with a suo motu case initiated against former Tamil Nadu Minister K. Ponmudi over his recent remarks concerning Vaishnavism and Saivism.

Justice P. Velmurugan issued the notices on Thursday, making them returnable by June 25. The proceedings arise from an order passed earlier by Justice Anand Venkatesh on April 23, 2025, directing the High Court Registry to initiate suo motu writ proceedings and place the matter before the Chief Justice for further action.

The case was subsequently assigned to Justice Velmurugan.

Justice Venkatesh had observed that the remarks made by Ponmudi prima facie amounted to hate speech, adding that the statements were derogatory to women and hurt the religious sentiments of Vaishnavites and Saivites, the two predominant sects of Hinduism in Tamil Nadu.

The Court strongly criticized the inaction of the state police, calling them “motionless” even after the Court’s earlier directives. It stressed the judiciary’s responsibility to ensure that the police comply with Supreme Court guidelines on hate speech.

“There will be zero tolerance for hate speech,” the Court observed, adding that a strong message must be sent to deter similar conduct in the future. It also remarked that individuals holding high office or political stature should refrain from making such divisive and irresponsible comments.

“People should not be made to feel that political affiliation grants immunity to make such statements,” the Court warned.

The case is titled Suo Motu WP v. Director General of Police and Another (W.P. Crl No. 1 of 2025).