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Chennai: The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed Tamil Nadu Police to release DMK leader and Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Udhayanidhi Stalin on station bail after completing his questioning in connection with a case registered over his controversial remarks during a protest related to the Cauvery water dispute.
The single-judge Bench of Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan passed the order shortly after the state police arrested Stalin and took him to Thanjavur for interrogation. The police action followed the registration of cases against him over remarks made during a public speech, which were allegedly interpreted by several groups as a reference to actor Trisha Krishnan and her association with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay.
The controversial statement triggered political reactions across Tamil Nadu, with several parties and individuals condemning the remarks and demanding legal action. The matter gained attention on social media, where discussions and criticism intensified after the video of the speech circulated widely.
Following the police action, an anticipatory bail petition was filed before the Madras High Court after officers reached Stalin's residence in Neelankarai. However, during the hearing, Tamil Nadu Advocate General Vijay Narayan informed the court that the arrest had already been carried out and the DMK leader was being taken to Thanjavur for further questioning.
The state government clarified before the court that police authorities did not intend to seek judicial custody or request remand proceedings against Udhayanidhi Stalin. The purpose of the arrest was limited to investigation and recording his statement in connection with the registered cases. The government informed the court that he would be released on station bail after completion of the interrogation process.
Justice Ilanthiraiyan recorded the submissions made by the Advocate General and directed the police to release Udhayanidhi Stalin on station bail on the same day after questioning. The Court also instructed the DMK leader to cooperate fully with the ongoing police investigation and appear before authorities whenever required under the legal procedure.
The single-judge Bench observed that since the arrest had already taken place, the anticipatory bail petition had become ineffective. However, considering the circumstances of the case and the submissions made by the state, the High Court exercised its jurisdiction and ordered his release through station bail.
The case relates to allegations arising from Stalin’s speech during a political protest connected with the Cauvery water-sharing dispute. Police had registered cases under relevant sections of law following complaints regarding the alleged nature of the remarks. The investigation remains underway, and authorities are expected to examine statements, video evidence and other available material as part of the legal process.
