DMK leader Ponmudy acquitted as complainant withdraws religious remarks case

A Tamil Nadu court has acquitted DMK leader Ponmudy in a case involving alleged derogatory comments about the Hindu religion, following the withdrawal of the complaint by the BJP councillor who had initiated proceedings against him.

The complainant, a BJP-affiliated councillor, had filed a petition accusing Ponmudy of making statements during a public address that promoted hatred and communal discord targeting Hindus. The case had invoked provisions related to religious vilification and incitement.

With the petitioner's withdrawal of the case, the court discharged the DMK leader, effectively closing the proceedings. The development marks the end of a legal battle that had drawn attention to communal sensitivities in Tamil Nadu's politically charged environment.

No explanation has been provided for the complainant's decision to withdraw the petition. Ponmudy's legal team welcomed the court's order, maintaining that the allegations had been baseless from the outset.

The case highlights the recurring disputes between rival political parties in the state, where charges related to communal remarks have occasionally become tools in inter-party political conflicts.