The Madras High Court refused to quash two FIRs against political commentator V. Ponraj for making derogatory remarks against women supporters of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party.
Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan dismissed the petitions on July 17, 2026. The judge noted that Ponraj, as a person of standing with scientific eminence and educational qualifications, should have shown greater restraint in public statements.
The complaints originated from a YouTube interview viewed on March 18. Minister R. Nirmalkumar lodged one complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer on March 26. Police registered the FIR on May 12 under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
Ponraj argued that the video had been deleted before the FIR and that the case amounted to political vendetta. The court held that deletion of the video did not erase the alleged offences.