The Madras High Court recently rejected the anticipatory bail plea of AIADMK leader Amudha, who was accused of making derogatory remarks against Chief Minister MK Stalin and other Cabinet ministers.
Justice AD Jagadish Chandira noted that Amudha had used “unethical, filthy, and unparliamentary” language during a speech delivered in Attur on September 22, targeting Stalin, his family, and other political figures. Given their inappropriate nature, the Court emphasized that it would not reproduce those offensive words in its order.
While recognizing the fundamental right to freedom of speech, the Court made it clear that such a right cannot be abused to violate standards of decency. It further observed that Amudha’s affidavit of apology, submitted as part of her defense, failed to demonstrate genuine remorse. Instead, the affidavit seemed to rationalize the offensive remarks.
The Court concluded that the apology lacked sincerity and that there was no wholehearted repentance from the petitioner. As a result, it ruled that the anticipatory bail petition was not justified and dismissed it, reinforcing the importance of upholding decency in public discourse.