Udhayanidhi Stalin Arrested Over Alleged Misogynistic Remarks, Granted Bail

Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition and DMK youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested on Tuesday after police registered a case over alleged misogynistic remarks made during a public meeting in Thanjavur. He was taken to Sengipatti police station for questioning and released on station bail later the same day, following directions from the Madras High Court.

The FIR was filed based on a complaint by a TVK women’s wing office-bearer, who alleged that Udhayanidhi made derogatory remarks during his speech. The case includes charges under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, and the Information Technology Act. The DMK IT wing was also named in the case over the circulation of the speech on social media.

Rejecting the allegations, Udhayanidhi said his remarks had been taken out of context and denied intending to insult women. He accused the ruling TVK government of using the case to divert attention from issues concerning farmers. During the hearing, the Madras High Court directed police to release him on station bail after questioning and instructed him to cooperate with the investigation.

His arrest sparked protests by DMK workers in Chennai and Thanjavur, where party cadres attempted to block the police vehicle and gathered outside the Sengipatti police station while he was being questioned. Police deployed additional personnel to manage the situation before releasing him on bail.