DMK MLA gets midnight bail, predicts TN govt’s fall in 6 months

Anitha R Radhakrishnan, a DMK MLA from the Tiruchendur constituency, was granted bail around midnight on Friday, just hours after his arrest over alleged defamatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Radhakrishnan was taken into custody earlier in the day while on a visit to Attur, approximately 23 km from Tiruchendur, after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Madras High Court.

Police escorted him to a waiting vehicle before taking him for questioning.

Following interrogation and a medical examination at Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital, the MLA was produced before a local court in Tiruchendur, where a heated exchange unfolded between the prosecution and the defence. Radhakrishnan’s counsel questioned the urgency of the arrest, pointing out that the legislator had already expressed willingness to appear before the police on July 10 in response to a summons.

The state’s counsel, however, argued that the MLA had not complied with the initial summons and that the arrest was carried out as a precautionary measure to prevent any potential law and order issues. The defence countered by questioning the basis of such concerns, arguing that due process had not been followed.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted bail to Radhakrishnan.

The MLA received a rousing reception from party workers outside the court premises. Addressing the media, he made a political remark, claiming that the current government would fall “within six months.”

The case against Radhakrishnan originates from a complaint lodged at Attur police station over remarks he allegedly made during a DMK public meeting on June 20. Police registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to intentional insult aimed at provoking a breach of peace and statements conducing to public mischief.

Earlier in the day, while rejecting his anticipatory bail plea, Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan of the Madras High Court had orally observed that as a legislator, Radhakrishnan should have exercised restraint in his public statements.

Radhakrishnan has also alleged that he was pressured by police to resign from his MLA post and join the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He further claimed that he was offered a significant sum of money to switch allegiance, an offer he said he refused. “I will always remain in the DMK,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, State Energy Resources Minister Nirmal Kumar defended the arrest, stating that it followed due legal process after the court rejected the anticipatory bail plea. He also dismissed any possibility of Radhakrishnan joining the TVK, making strong remarks against the MLA’s past record.

The arrest has triggered sharp political reactions. DMK president M. K. Stalin questioned the urgency of the arrest, alleging selective action by the government. In a post on social media, he criticised the administration’s priorities and suggested that similar standards were not applied to ruling party leaders.

DMK MP Kanimozhi also condemned the arrest, stating that the party would not be intimidated by what she termed “oppressive tactics.” Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin described the move as an act of political vendetta, accusing the government of attempting to silence opposition voices through legal action.