Chennai, Aug 7:
A court in George Town has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against former minister K. Ponmudi in connection with a hate speech case.
The case stems from a speech delivered by Ponmudi at an event in Chennai in April 2025, where he allegedly made controversial remarks about Saivite and Vaishnavite sects and women. Following this, a private complaint was filed by a Chennai Corporation councillor.
Earlier, the Madras High Court had dismissed Ponmudiās plea seeking to quash the proceedings and directed the trial court to complete the case within six months.
When the case came up for hearing recently, Ponmudi failed to appear, prompting the George Town court to issue a non-bailable warrant against him.
However, Ponmudi later appeared in person before the court and filed a petition seeking recall of the warrant. Accepting his plea, the judge recalled the warrant and adjourned the case to August 13 for further hearing.