Madras HC directs police to release Udhayanidhi after questioning

The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed Tamil Nadu Police to release Assembly Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin on station bail the same day, hours after he was arrested in connection with a controversial remark that many have interpreted as referring to actor Trisha.The High Court also directed the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly to cooperate with the investigation as and when required. Earlier,Leader of Opposition and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested by Chennai Police on Tuesday after an FIR was registered against him over alleged derogatory remarks targeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a public meeting.

#WATCH | DMK leader and LoP Udhayanidhi Stalin detained by Police from his Chennai residence, following an FIR against him over his alleged defamatory remarks against actor Trisha and CM Vijay. Slogans directed at actor Trisha were raised at his rally yesterday. pic.twitter.com/JUk7cpaTdG

— ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2026

The case follows a speech delivered by Udhayanidhi at a protest in Thanjavur over the Cauvery water dispute, where he allegedly made double-meaning remarks referring to Chief Minister Vijay and actor Trisha Krishnan. The comments, which were widely circulated on social media, sparked sharp criticism from political parties and the public.According to media reports,the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) lodged complaints against Udhayanidhi at police stations across the state, while the party also approached the National Commission for Women (NCW), seeking action over the remarks.
Several political leaders, including members of Vijay's cabinet and the Congress, condemned the comments, stating that public discourse should maintain dignity and avoid personal or derogatory attacks.The arrest comes a day before the Tamil Nadu Assembly's Budget session, where the state government is scheduled to present its Budget and Agriculture Budget. The incident has intensified the political confrontation between the ruling TVK and the opposition DMK ahead of the session.