The Tamil Nadu government informed the Madras High Court on Tuesday that Leader of Opposition Udayanidhi Stalin, who was taken into police custody earlier in the day, was detained only “in the interest of women” and would be released on station bail before the end of the day.
Appearing before Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, Advocate General P.S. Raman submitted that the State had no intention of keeping Stalin in custody and assured the Court that he would be released on station bail.
The submission was made while the Court was hearing Stalin’s anticipatory bail plea in connection with a criminal case arising out of remarks allegedly made by him during a public rally in Thanjavur on the Cauvery water dispute.
According to the prosecution, while addressing the gathering, a section of the crowd began chanting the name of actor Trisha Krishnan. Stalin allegedly responded with remarks containing sexual innuendo, which triggered widespread criticism.
The comments drew strong objections from the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and other political parties, following which a complaint was lodged in Thanjavur.
Based on the complaint, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Stalin for offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act, and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.
Apprehending arrest, Stalin approached the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail. However, before the plea could be taken up for hearing, police officers detained him from his residence on Tuesday morning.
During the hearing, the State clarified that the detention was not intended to result in prolonged custody and reiterated that Stalin would be released on station bail later in the day.
The anticipatory bail plea remains pending before the High Court.
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