K. Ponmudi faces non-bailable warrant in Chennai court over remarks on women and religion

The III Metropolitan Magistrate Court at George Town in Chennai issued a non‑bailable warrant against former Tamil Nadu minister and DMK leader K. Ponmudi after he failed to appear in a criminal case linked to his April 2025 speech that allegedly contained objectionable remarks about women, Shaivites and Vaishnavites. The magistrate rejected Ponmudi’s request for exemption on medical grounds, noting the lack of supporting documents and the Madras High Court’s directive to complete the trial within six months. Police were ordered to produce him before the court by 2 September. The case stems from a private complaint filed by BJP Greater Chennai Corporation councillor Uma Anandan, following earlier high‑court dismissals of Ponmudi’s attempts to quash the proceedings. The controversy led to his removal from key positions within the DMK.