Chennai: The Madras High Court on Thursday ordered the Tamil Nadu police to register a case against Forest Minister K Ponmudy over his recent controversial remarks, which led to his removal from a key party post.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh issued a stern warning to the police, stating that the court would initiate suo motu contempt proceedings if an FIR was not filed against the DMK leader.

“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 said.

The court has scheduled the next hearing of the suo motu proceedings for April 23.

Ponmudy recently sparked outrage over remarks made during a public meeting, where he referenced Shaivism and Vaishnavism in the context of a sex worker. The comments drew widespread criticism, including from DMK MP Kanimozhi.

In response to the backlash, Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin removed Ponmudy from his post as deputy general secretary. The minister later issued an apology, acknowledging the "inappropriate remarks."