Anitha Radhakrishnan arrested: Madras High Court rejects bail over defamatory speech against Tamil Nadu CM Vijay

CHENNAI: Former Tamil Nadu minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLA Anitha R. Radhakrishnan was arrested by the police on Friday, shortly after the Madras High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail petition. The arrest pertains to a case registered against him for making allegedly derogatory and offensive remarks against actor-turned-politician and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

The Tiruchendur legislator was taken into custody by a team from the Authoor police station in Thoothukudi district while he was visiting a government office to inspect local developmental works. Following the arrest, he was escorted to the Thoothukudi District Superintendent of Police office for further interrogation and an official inquiry.

The controversy stems from a speech delivered by Anitha Radhakrishnan during a DMK public meeting held in Authoor on June 20. Based on a complaint lodged on June 23 by an official of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the Authoor police registered a case against the opposition leader. The prosecution alleged that the DMK MLA used highly objectionable and provocative language targeting the Chief Minister's cinematic background.

High Court denies protection

Reviewing the transcript of the speech, Madras High Court judge Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan strongly criticized the legislator's conduct and rejected the plea for advance bail. The court observed that the Chief Minister is a public representative occupying a high constitutional office and deserves appropriate institutional respect.

Justice Ilanthiraiyan noted that the disparaging remarks regarding the Chief Minister’s background in cinema were entirely unwarranted. The court reminded the petitioner that the electorate of Tamil Nadu has consistently elected representatives and prominent leaders from the film industry into public governance since 1967. The judge emphasized that as an experienced political figure and a sitting lawmaker, Anitha Radhakrishnan should have exercised proper restraint rather than resorting to such derogatory language.

Widespread protests in Thoothukudi

The police action triggered intense tension and widespread protests across Thoothukudi district. Led by City Corporation Mayor Jegan Periyasamy, a large number of DMK workers and supporters gathered outside the District Superintendent of Police office to voice their anger against the arrest.

Simultaneously, agitated party cadres staged a road blockade in the Authoor region, leading to heated arguments with police personnel deployment. To counter potential law and order issues and prevent further political confrontations between DMK and TVK supporters, the district administration has significantly beefed up security and deployed additional police forces throughout the sensitive pockets of the region.