Full Breakdown
DMK Leaders Booked for Derogatory Remarks Against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
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The Incident and Legal Action
On September 12, 2026, Greater Chennai and Kallakurichi police filed criminal cases against three senior DMK members—Lok Sabha MP A. Raja, former minister P. K. Sekar Babu, and MLA Vasantham K. Karthikeyan. The complaints allege obscene and defamatory language toward Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Law Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar during statewide DMK protests.
- Raja was charged under six sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for obscene language, defamation and public disorder.
- Sekar Babu faced six similar BNS sections, including provisions for promoting enmity.
- Karthikeyan was booked under four sections for defamatory remarks.
Complaints were lodged by a TVK functionary, Karthik (Saidapet), and Jagadeswari, a construction worker’s wife and TVK supporter (North Beach), citing potential to incite hostility between political groups.
Background & Context
The protests followed Vijay’s September 7 Assembly remarks linking the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) to DMK president M.K. Stalin’s alleged detention during the 1975-77 Emergency, and a hand gesture interpreted as mocking Stalin’s reported jaw injury. DMK demonstrations on September 12 aimed to condemn what it called “political theatrics” and defend Stalin’s historical narrative.
Key Figures & Groups
- C. Joseph Vijay – Chief Minister.
- C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar – Law Minister.
- A. Raja – DMK deputy general secretary, MP.
- P. K. Sekar Babu – Former minister, Harbour MLA.
- Vasantham K. Karthikeyan – DMK MLA.
- S. Ramesh – HR&CE Minister, government spokesperson.
- Udhayanidhi Stalin – Leader of Opposition, DMK.
- T.K.S. Elangovan – DMK spokesperson.
Data & Statistics
- Three DMK leaders booked.
- Six BNS sections applied to Raja and Sekar Babu; four to Karthikeyan.
- Sections include: 296, 352, 196(1), 353(1), 352(2), 351(2) of the BNS, and IPC provisions 294, 504, 153A(1), 505(1).
Official Statements & Responses
Police said the cases arise from complaints that the remarks could “disturb public peace” and “promote hostility between groups.”
- S. Ramesh warned of “strict legal action” against anyone who disparages the chief minister, women or the public.
- Vijay asserted his hand-gesture was unintentional and that there was “no ulterior motive.”
Criticism & Opposition
- T.K.S. Elangovan (DMK spokesperson) claimed the government is “only working against the DMK” and defended the party’s right to criticize the administration.
- Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, DMK MP, posted a Thirukkural couplet urging restraint, read as a rebuke to Raja’s remarks.
- P. Shanmugam, CPI(M) state secretary, condemned the demeaning of women and questioned why the DMK president remained silent about the insult to Nirmal Kumar’s mother.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The fundamental question is whether he was detained under MISA or not,” — Nimal Kumar, law minister
- “Is this a question? If a case is filed, we have to face it.” — A. Raja, deputy general secretary
- “This government is only working against the DMK.” — S. Elangovan, DMK spokesperson
- “If MISA is brought into everything and everyone who has seen MISA is mentioned, we don’t know what to do,” — Joseph Vijay, chief minister
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact legal provisions listed for each leader; some mention additional IPC sections. No publicly released video of the speeches is available, leaving the precise wording of the alleged insults unverified beyond media summaries.
What’s Next
The investigations are led by Inspector Mani of the B1 Law and Order Police Station. Further legal proceedings, including possible court hearings, are pending but have not been scheduled publicly.
