'Have to respect CM': Madras HC backs Vijay, denies anticipatory bail to DMK MLA over ‘defamatory’ remarks

The court said that Tamil Nadu has had a long tradition since 1967 of people from the cine industry joining state's politics after being elected to power.

Updated on: Jul 3, 2026, 16:00:51 IST

Edited by Nikita Sharma

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The Madras High Court on Friday stressed that it was important to respect the chief minister, whoever it may be. The remarks came as the court refused to grant pre-arrest bail to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLA Anita R Radhakrishnan for his remarks against Tamil Nadu chief minister C Vijay.

DMK MLA Anita R Radhakrishnan was arrested on Friday, July 3, over his remarks on Tamil Nadu CM Vijay. (ANI image/screengrab)

Following the court's move, the DMK MLA was arrested for the allegedly defamatory remarks made during a public meeting held in Athoor recently.

As the court denied bail to the legislator, it said: “In state of Tamil Nadu, since 1967 people from the cinema are being voted...Whoever it maybe, you have to respect the CM,” a LiveLaw report said.

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On June 20, the MLA reportedly visited Athoor Town Panchayat in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district and during a public event there, he reported made statements against CM Vijay.

Radhakrishnan is believed to have remarked that Vijay's demeanor in the Assembly was like that of a person feeling trapped and also made remarks about his work in the movie industry before stepping into politics, reported LiveLaw.

Following this, a case was registered against him under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita's Section 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and Section 353(2) (statements conducing to public mischief).

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Radhakrishnan approached the court seeking relief against arrest, but Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan of Madras high court refused, saying that he should have avoided making such statements, being an MLA himself.

"Being a member of the legislative assembly, what kind of speech you've spoken? Whoever it maybe, you have to respect the CM," the judge remarked orally, as quoted by LiveLaw.

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‘Can we let any Tom, Dick and Harry to make comments against the CM?’

Senior Advocate NR Elango, who was representing the DMK MLA, argued that the current case was not sustainable as there was no provocation made during the speech and the statements could only amount to defamation.

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However, the State rebutted this claim by saying that the case was filed only because there was some sort of provocation and also said that the DMK MLA did not show any “remorse” for his actions even during the hearing.

"He should not have made such statements. Should have exercised restraint. Even today, there is no remorse. Today we're dealing with the office of CM. Can we let any Tom, Dick and Harry to make comments against the CM?" the State argued, according to the report.

Following court's order, Radhakrishnan was arrested, triggering protests by DMK cadres who also reportedly staged a road blockade during the police action.

Radhakrishnan was taken to the District Superintendent of Police's office for questioning.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nikita Sharma
Nikita Sharma is a Senior Content Producer with Hindustan Times. She is a Delhi-based digital journalist with five years of experience writing and editing news stories across beats including crime, politics, tech, trends and much more, both national and international. At Hindustan Times, she is part of the news team and focuses on breaking news, keeping a track of what is happening where, and chasing ever-developing news stories. She has a penchant for covering crime, geopolitics, and Indian politics with a keen eye for stories often overlooked in the daily news cycle. At Hindustan Times, she has extensively covered several key events including the US Presidential elections, Air India plane crash, Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, US’ tariff war, and others. As a Delhi aficionado, she particularly enjoys roaming and writing about the national capital — its heritage, food, art and culture, and the many problems that come with it — the pollution, waterlogging, traffic, and more. Nikita did her Bachelor in Journalism and Mass Communication from GGSIPU and started working as a digital journalist in 2021. During her first stint, she covered hyperlocal news at a Delhi-based newsroom, writing and editing stories on builder-buyer conflicts, civic issues such as potholes, waterlogging, lack of facilities at hospitals in Delhi, crippling of the city during peak monsoon season. She also wrote features covering Delhi’s art exhibitions, heritage walks, artist profiles, museums, classical Hindustani music concerts and dance shows. She entered mainstream news in 2023 and has previously worked at NDTV.Read More

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