Former Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, was arrested by police from his residence in Chennai on Tuesday morning. An FIR had been registered against him over allegations of making objectionable remarks about Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and actress Trisha. Following his arrest, Stalin sought an urgent hearing in the Madras High Court on his anticipatory bail plea.
Rally-Related Controversy
The controversy stems from a DMK rally held in Thanjavur on Monday over the Cauvery water-sharing issue. According to the allegations, Udhayanidhi Stalin made double-meaning and objectionable remarks targeting Chief Minister Vijay during his speech. Controversial slogans were also allegedly raised against actress Trisha at the event, further escalating the political row.
TVK Files FIR
Based on a complaint filed by Chief Minister Vijay's party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the Thanjavur police registered an FIR against Udhayanidhi Stalin. The complaint alleged that his remarks were disrespectful toward women and violated public decency. Anticipating arrest after the FIR was lodged, Stalin approached the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail.
Matter Reaches National Commission for Women
The controversy has also reached the National Commission for Women (NCW). TVK submitted a complaint to the commission, alleging that Udhayanidhi Stalin made comments that objectified women and contained sexual undertones. The party urged the commission to take cognizance of the speech, demand a public apology, and direct action under the relevant legal provisions.
Bail Plea Hearing Scheduled
During proceedings before Justice G. K. Ilanthiraiyan on Tuesday, senior advocate Hasan Mohammed Jinnah, appearing for Udhayanidhi Stalin, requested an urgent hearing of the anticipatory bail petition. The court accepted the request and agreed to hear the matter later in the day.