Madras HC shocks Kasturi

Madras High Court Rejects Kasturi Shankar's Anticipatory Bail in Telugu Community Remarks Case

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has dismissed the anticipatory bail application of actor-TV presenter Kasturi Shankar, who faces charges for making objectionable comments against the Telugu-speaking community in Tamil Nadu.

Justice Anand Venkatesh, in his order, deemed Kasturi's remarks unwarranted, emphasizing that Telugu-speaking people have been an integral part of Tamil Nadu since the Madras Presidency era. He highlighted their significant contribution to the state's cultural and social fabric.

Kasturi's legal counsel had argued that her remarks were meant to expose the hypocrisy of the ruling DMK party and that she had since apologized. However, the court did not find this argument compelling.

The case against Kasturi was registered by the Madurai police following a complaint from a Telugu association. She reportedly went into hiding after the complaint was filed, subsequently seeking anticipatory bail.

Kasturi ignited controversy on November 3rd during an event advocating for "legal protection for Brahmins" when she made derogatory remarks about the Telugu-speaking community, claiming they had come from outside Tamil Nadu and later adopted a Tamil identity.

While she later clarified that her intention was not to demean the Telugu community, stating that her remarks were intended to expose the DMK's hypocrisy, the court's decision underscores the gravity of her actions and the need for accountability.