Chennai, Apr 17 (PTI) The Madras High Court on Thursday directed the Tamil Nadu police to file a case against state Forest Minister K Ponmudy, following his recent controversial remarks that cost him his party post.

The Court cautioned the police that if they do not register FIR against the DMK leader, it will initiate suo motu (on its own) contempt against them.

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Justice N Anand Venkatesh, who gave the warning to the police said, "now the court has taken cognizance of the matter. Even if you do not have a complaint, register a case and proceed with the investigation."

The judge posted to April 23, further hearing of the suo motu proceedings.

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Ponmudy created a controversy recently with his Shaivism-Vaishnavism remarks made in the context of a sex worker at a public meeting, drawing widespread criticism, including from his own party MP Kanimozhi.

DMK President and Chief Minister M K Stalin had removed Ponmudy as DMK deputy general secretary, even as the senior leader later tendered an apology for his for his "inappropriate remarks."

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)