Madras HC denies advance bail to BJP woman cadre booked for throwing mud at Minister Ponmudy

CHENNAI:  If ministers get abused in public for political reasons, then no one can go anywhere, opined the Madras High Court while refusing anticipatory bail to a BJP functionary facing the charge of throwing mud at Forest Minister K Ponmudy.

Justice AD Jagadish Chandira was hearing the anticipatory bail plea of Vijayarani from Iruvelpattu, Villupuram, as she may be arrested in the case booked for allegedly throwing mud at the minister. Her counsel submitted that she was innocent and has not committed any offence alleged by the prosecution.

According to him, she questioned the minister and government officials for not providing proper relief to the families affected by Cyclone Fengal. Displeased with a person questioning the authorities, the prosecution falsely implicated Vijayarani, submitted the counsel, and sought advance bail for her.

However, the government advocate objected to the plea for advance bail, arguing that Vijayarani was a member of the BJP and wantonly flung the mud at the minister. If this overt act were allowed, it would lead to a recurrence of such incidents in the future, the government advocate said.

On December 3, a large number of people of Iruvelpattu, who were affected by the cyclone, came to the streets demanding relief. After learning this, Minister Ponmudy and officials went to the spot to pacify the protesting public. Ponmudy assured them that the State government would expeditiously provide proper relief. While he was speaking to the people, some unknown persons threw mud at the minister and other officials.

After perusing video evidence, the police arrayed Vijayarani as the accused who threw the mud at the minister and booked a case against her under sections 132 (assault or using force to stop public servant from performing duty), 351 (1) (criminal intimidation), and 296 b (profanity) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.