Madras High Court Orders Release of Udhayanidhi Stalin After Questioning in Trisha Remark Case

August 4, 2026

Chennai: The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed Tamil Nadu Police to release DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin after he was questioned in connection with the alleged objectionable remarks case involving actor Trisha Krishnan.

Udhayanidhi Stalin was taken into custody from his Neelankarai residence in Chennai earlier in the day by police in connection with a case registered over remarks made during a DMK protest in Thanjavur.

The case was registered following a complaint by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) women’s wing, which alleged that Udhayanidhi made inappropriate remarks during a speech related to the Cauvery water dispute.

Police Question Udhayanidhi After FIR Registration

Following the complaint, Thanjavur East Police booked Udhayanidhi Stalin under multiple sections, including provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act, and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.

Police brought Udhayanidhi for questioning as part of the investigation. The Tamil Nadu government informed the court that it did not intend to seek his remand and that he would be released after questioning.

Political Row Intensifies Between DMK and TVK

The controversy began during a DMK protest in Thanjavur over the Cauvery water issue, where slogans related to actor Trisha were raised by sections of the crowd. Udhayanidhi later denied making any derogatory remarks and claimed that edited content was being circulated to create controversy.

The arrest triggered protests by DMK workers across Tamil Nadu, with several party cadres being detained during demonstrations demanding Udhayanidhi’s release.

The Madras High Court’s direction to release Udhayanidhi came amid the ongoing political dispute, while the police investigation into the case continues.