A public interest litigation (PIL) petition has been filed in the Madras High Court to declare a speech delivered by Forest Minister K. Ponmudy against Saivites, Vaishnavites and women in general as against his oath of office and consequently disqualify him from holding any constitutional post.
Advocate B. Jagannath of Chennai has filed the PIL petition on the ground that the Minister’s alleged derogatory speech was against the constitutional provisions which require every Minister to swear that he/she shall do right to all manner of people without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
The petitioner pointed out that even Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader and Thoothukudi Lok Sabha member Kanimozhi had condemned the speech delivered by the Minister at a meeting organised by Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam in Chennai on April 8 and hence it was necessary to take action against him.
Published – April 17, 2025 12:08 am IST
