Chennai, Aug 8 A city magistrate has recalled a non-bailable warrant issued against DMK leader, former minister, K Ponmudy in the hate speech case after his appearance in the court.
Ponmudy appeared before the III Metropolitan Magistrate court--George Town on Friday and filed a petition seeking recalling the NBW issued on August 6.
Judicial Magistrate C Sundarapandian after perusing the matter ordered recall of the warrant and adjourned the hate speech case to August 13 for hearing.
The hate speech case relates to Ponmudy's alleged derogatory remarks against Saivaites, Vaishnavites and women.
After Ponmudy made the alleged remarks last year at an event, BJP Chennai Corporation councillor Uma Anandan lodged a private complaint and the GT-III metropolitan magistrate's court had taken congnisance of it.
On August 6, the counsel for Ponmudy filed a petition under Section 355 of BNSS (allowing a judge/magistrate to hold an inquiry or trial in the absence of the accused) to condone the absence of the accused.
The petition was strongly objected by the counsel for the complainant in view of "continuous non-appearance" of the accused.
Citing several factors, the court dismissed the petition filed by the counsel for Ponmudy.
On the reasons for it, the court said the absence of the accused would hinder proceedings.
The petition (under Section 355 of BNSS filed by the counsel for accused) was not supported by any medical records.
The HC had given direction to the lower court to expeditiously complete trial and objection has also been raised by the complainant.
In view of such factors, the petition was dismissed, the magistrate court held, ordering issuance of NBW and had posted the matter to be heard on September 2, 2026.
