Kasthuri allegedly made remarks about the Telugu community during a Brahmin gathering in Chennai on 3 November, implying that the Telugu people, who had come to service the Tamil Kings' courtesans, were now claiming to be of Tamil ancestry.
Published Nov 14, 2024 | 12:23 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 14, 2024 | 12:23 PM
Actor Kasthuri denied anticipatory bail. (Instagram)
The Madras High Court on Thursday, 14 November, denied anticipatory bail to Tamil actor Kasthuri for making controversial and demeaning comments against the Telugu community in Tamil Nadu.
According to Livelaw, Justice Anand Venkatesh, while hearing the petition on Tuesday, 12 November, had orally remarked that the comments were completely unwarranted and that Kasthuri should have refrained from speaking against the women of the Telugu community. The court had said that Kasthuri, who claimed to be a political commentator should not have made such comments even in the heat of the moment.
The judgment was then reserved. On Thursday, the court dismissed the petition.
The report further noted that Kasthuri in her plea stated that the defacto complaint was filed upon instigation by the ruling party and that this intolerant and vindictive attitude of the state administration was highly atrocious.
Kasthuri also pointed out that no riot or provocation had happened among any members of the society in light of the speech and contrarily, she had been receiving great support from the different quarters of the Telugu people across the state of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Additional public prosecutor Baskaran opposing the anticipatory bail argued that the comments were made with malicious intent and that such comments would affect the harmony of Tamil Nadu with neighbouring states.
Baskaran also argued that the offences were made out and since a custodial interrogation was necessary, anticipatory bail should not be granted.
The South Indian actress allegedly made remarks about the Telugu community during a Brahmin gathering in Chennai on 3 November, implying that the Telugu people, who had come to service the Tamil Kings’ courtesans, were now claiming to be of Tamil ancestry.
Following her comments on 3 November, the Naidu Mahajana Sangam State Executive Committee member filed a complaint against her. Based on the complaint, the Thirunagar Police had registered a complaint for alleged offences under Section 196(1)(a), 197(1)(c), 296(b), 352, and 353(3) of BNS along with Section 67 of the IT Act.
As she received backlash for her comments, Kasthuri apologised and stated that her comments were specific to some individuals and not against the Telugu community. However, the court added that Kasthuri’s apology does not address the comments made against the women.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
