On 8 July 2025, the Madras High Court heard the related to controversial comments made by Tamil Nadu Forest Minister and senior DMK leader K. Ponmudi, regarding the religious symbols tilaks worn by Hindu Shaivites and Vaishnavites.
Justice P. Velmurugan, presiding over the case, delivered sharp criticism of the minister’s conduct, stating, “Nowadays these politicians feel that sky is the limit under Article 19. We can’t be mere spectators. We live in a democracy with many communities.”
He further added, “When they’re coming to public, they must realize that they’re living in a country which is meant for every person. It’s not meant for any particular person. Not for the politician alone. Everyone must realize that they’re living among the people.”
The case had earlier been flagged in April when Justice N. Anand Venkatesh took serious note of a video clip submitted in court by a lawyer. The footage, played during a hearing in a 2023 suo motu revision petition challenging Ponmudi’s acquittal in a disproportionate assets case, featured the minister making crude references to Hindu religious identities.
In the viral video from a public function, Ponmudi was seen addressing women in the audience, cautioning them not to be offended before recounting a joke involving a man visiting a sex worker, who allegedly asked him whether he was a Shaivite or Vaishnavite equating religious identity with sexual behavior.
What Ponmudi Said
In April 2025, a Ponmudi went viral on social media widespread controversy and condemnation across social media platforms, with many calling out the then-minister for his offensive remarks targeting Shaivite and Vaishnavite communities. The video, which surfaced on X, captured Ponmudi making a crude analogy involving a prostitute to mock the religious practices of these Hindu sects, drawing sharp criticism for its insensitivity and vulgarity. In the video, Ponmudi recounted a supposed interaction between a man and a prostitute, where the woman asks the man if he is a Shaivite or a Vaishnavite. According to Ponmudi, the prostitute explains that Shaivite means “lying down position” (referencing the horizontal tilak worn by Shaivites) while a Vaishnavite means a “standing position” (referencing the vertical tilak worn by Vaishnavites).
“Shaivism – Lying Down Position, Vaishnavism – Standing Position”: DMK Minister K. Ponmudy Insults Hindus By Narrating A Supposed Interaction Of Man With Prostitute
A recent video of Tamil Nadu Minister K. Ponmudy has ignited widespread controversy and condemnation across… pic.twitter.com/GpK3kXvyK5
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The remark sparked widespread outrage. BJP Tamil Nadu president K. Annamalai strongly condemned the speech, calling it a reflection of the DMK’s political culture. “This isn’t just about one minister. The entire DMK setup is steeped in vulgarity and indecency. MK Stalin should be ashamed of leading such a party,” he posted on X.
Even within the DMK, the speech was criticized. MP Kanimozhi distanced herself from Ponmudi’s remarks, stating on X, “Minister Ponmudi’s recent comments are unacceptable. Regardless of the context, such vulgar language is indefensible.”
In the aftermath of the controversy, the DMK stripped Ponmudi of his position as Deputy General Secretary of the party.