'File FIR against DMK minister or face contempt': Madras HC warns Tamil Nadu police over K Ponmudy's objectionable remarks on women

NEW DELHI: Madras high court on Thursday warned the Tamil Nadu Police to file FIR against DMK minister K Ponmudy or face contempt over the state forest minister's objectionable remarks on women. It further directed the Police to proceed with the investigation in the matter.
"Now the court has taken cognizance of the matter. Even if you do not have a complaint, register a case and proceed with the investigation," the court said. The matter has been posted to April 23.
This comes after several Bharatiya Janata Party leaders demanded the registration of complaint against the leader for making disrespectful comments about women and Saivism and Vaishnavism during a public event on April 6.
After his controversial comments, the ruling DMK stripped Ponmudy of his role as the party's deputy general secretary, though he retained his position as a minister.
He also apologised for his remarks calling it a "lapse of judgement". "I sincerely apologize for the inappropriate words I used while speaking at an event organized by the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam. As someone who has been in public life for a long time, I am deeply sorry for this lapse in judgment," he had said last week.
"I immediately felt deep regret for the inappropriate remarks I had made. I regret that my speech caused hurt to many and created an embarrassing situation. I once again offer my heartfelt apologies to everyone who was hurt by my words," he added.