Politicians Feel Sky Is The Limit, Court Can't Tolerate It: Madras High Court Remarks In Suo Motu Case Against Ponmudi For 'Hate Speech'

While hearing a suo motu case intiated against former Minister Ponmudi for his remarks against Vaishnavism, Saivism and women, the Madras High Court on Tuesday orally said that nowdays politicians feel that sky is the limit under Article 19 of the Constitution and that they must realise that the country is not meant for politicians alone but for every person. 

On being informed that complaints against Ponmudi have been closed, the court remarked that if any aggrieved person says that they were not served a notice before closing the complaint the court will come down heavily on the authorities.

It further said that while everyone is picking the mic and stating things as if they are the 'King', the court will not watch and tolerate the same. 

During the hearing Justice P Velmurugan orally remarked:

"Nowadays these politicians feel that sky is the limit under Article 19. We can't be mere spectators. We live in a democracy with many communities. When they're coming to public, they must realise that they're living in a country which is meant for every person. It's not meant for any particular person. Not for the politician alone. Everyone must realise that they're living among the people". 

"Brother judge has rightly invoked the suo motu jurisdiction. Unfortunately or fortunately, this is the first such case," the court orally said. Notably the high court had in April this year initiated suo motu proceedings against Ponmudi observing that speech made by the former Minister prima facie appeared to be hate speech.

Today, the advocate general appearing for the State informed the high court that the complaints against Ponmudi have been closed.

To this the court remarked, "Then I'll keep this suo motu pending. I'll see how the investigation is going. If they're aggrieved, they can approach the authorities". 

The court said that the state authorities will have acknowledgment from the complainants (for closing the complaints) and if any person comes and says that they have not been served with notice (before closing), then the high court "will come down heavily" on the authorities. 

The court further remarked,

"There are 46 crore people living in this country. Everyone picking up the mic must understand it. A strong message should go out. Otherwise we won't be able to stop it. Everyone is taking the mic and saying so many things as if they're the king. As if no one can do anything against the king. The court cannot just watch and tolerate all this".

The matter is now listed on August 1.