'Politicians believe they are kings': HC slams TN police over closing complaints against Ponmudi

BENGALURU: Political leaders wrongly believe they are the kings who can do no wrong, the Madras high court remarked on Tuesday as it criticised former Tamil Nadu minister K Ponmudi for “misusing” free speech and questioned the state police's decision to close over 120 complaints against the DMK leader for his alleged vulgar comments about women, and Hindu sects Shaivites and Vaishnavites.

- Ayesha Arvind

A single bench of justice P Velmurugan reminded Ponmudi, who had to resign from the cabinet on April 27 following the outrage over his remarks, that politicians were not above the law.

The court also decided to keep pending its suo motu proceedings against the leader.

“Nowadays, all politicians, all persons making public speeches think Article 19 gives them absolute rights...that only sky is the limit. Court cannot simply be a silent spectator. There are reasonable restrictions. There are several sects, religious communities...they (public figures) should think about it, when they are in public life,” the judge remarked.

“_.A strong message should go. So many things are being said, as if they (politicians) are the kings of this country. Whatever they say, they think they can do no wrong. The Court cannot watch these things silently,” the judge added.