Tuticorin district’s Megnanapuram police recently registered a case against Tamil Nadu’s Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Minister, Anitha Radhakrishnan, for allegedly using a derogatory term against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a party workers’ meeting.The incident occurred during a workers’ meeting organized by the INDIA bloc at Thandupathu village near Tiruchendur on March 22. A video capturing the minister’s remarks went viral on social media platforms, prompting widespread outrage and condemnation.
Following the circulation of the video, BJP’s south district president, Chithrangadan, filed a complaint against Anitha Radhakrishnan, alleging that his remarks violated the law. The Megnanapuram police subsequently booked the minister under IPC 294 (b), which pertains to the singing, reciting, or uttering of obscene songs, ballads, or words in or near any public place.
The incident has sparked debates over freedom of speech and the boundaries of political discourse, with some arguing that criticism of public figures should be within the bounds of civility and respect.