CHENNAI: A special court for cases against MPs and MLAs in Chennai has acquitted former DMK minister K Ponmudi from the criminal case registered against him over his controversial remarks on Saivism, Vaishnavism and women.




No useful purpose would be served in keeping the case pending as the complainant has deposed that she withdraws the complaint since, the accused has apologised for what he said about Saivism and Vaishnavism and that he would not speak thus in future, special judge C Sundarapandian said.




"The prosecution has also miserably failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubts. Therefore, the evidence on the record would not be sufficient to hold guilty of the accused beyond all reasonable doubt," the court added.




Ponmudi, who participated in a meeting organised by the Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam in Chennai in 2025, made remarks about Saivism, Vaishnavism and women, which triggered a controversy.




Subsequently, Uma Anandan, a BJP councillor of the Greater Chennai Corporation, filed a private complaint against Ponmudi before the Saidapet court in Chennai. She wanted the court to punish the former minister for promoting religious hatred and hurting religious sentiments. The case was subsequently transferred to the special court for MPs and MLAs, George Town.




During the trial, Uma stated that she was willing to withdraw the private complaint since the accused had personally expressed regret and sought her forgiveness. "He expressed sorrow in the interest of maintaining communal harmony in society. Further, taking into account the accused’s age and his health condition, I am withdrawing this case," she said.




Uma added that it is human nature to err and divine to forgive. "As I am a person of spiritual belief, in accordance with this principle I am withdrawing the case. This withdrawal of the case is my own personal and voluntary decision, made without any pressure or compromise from anyone," she said.