Big Relief For Udhayanidhi: Madras HC Orders Stalin Jr's Same-Day Release After Questioning In Trisha Row

Chennai: In a major legal and political development, the Madras High Court on Tuesday provided big relief to Leader of the Opposition and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, ordering his same-day release on station bail following police questioning in connection with his controversial "Trisha" remark.

The directive came during an urgent hearing on Udhayanidhi’s anticipatory bail plea after the Tamil Nadu Police detained him from his Chennai residence earlier in the day and transported him to Thanjavur for questioning.

State Assures High Court of No Judicial Remand

Appearing before Justice G. K. Ilanthiraiyan, Tamil Nadu Advocate General Vijay Narayan submitted that law enforcement agencies had no intention of seeking judicial custody for the opposition leader.

The prosecution clarified that Udhayanidhi was being taken to the Thanjavur East police station strictly for interrogation.

Recording the state government's undertaking, Justice Ilanthiraiyan instructed the police to complete their inquiry expeditiously and ensure Udhayanidhi’s release on station bail before the end of the day.

The court also directed the DMK leader to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

"The state has formally submitted that custody is required only for questioning. Recording this assurance, the police are directed to release the petitioner on station bail today itself,"* the court observed.

High-Voltage Drama and Arrest in Chennai

The court’s order follows high-voltage drama that unfolded outside Udhayanidhi’s Chennai residence on Tuesday morning.

A heavy team of police officers reached his house to execute his detention, leading to intense arguments between law enforcement officials and family members, including Udhayanidhi's wife.

DMK cadres staged spontaneous demonstrations and clashed with police in several regions, demanding the immediate withdrawal of cases against their leader.

Speaking to reporters while being escorted into a police van, Udhayanidhi called his arrest "vengeful" and politically motivated.

"Did I say anything wrong? Did I take anyone's name other than the Chief Minister's? I will fight this legally," he asserted.

The Rally Remark That Triggered the Row

The legal turmoil stems from an FIR registered against Udhayanidhi under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.

The charges relate to a speech Udhayanidhi delivered during a protest in Thanjavur targeting Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay over the Cauvery water dispute.

When audience members began chanting the name of actor Trisha Krishnan, Udhayanidhi paused and made a double-meaning remark: "Water should have come... irrespective of where it is supposed to come from," before smirking and adding, "I was referring only to the Cauvery."

The comment drew intense condemnation from the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the BJP, who labelled it a vulgar innuendo targeting the Chief Minister and the actor.

With the High Court stepping in to prevent prolonged detention, Udhayanidhi is expected to be formally released in Thanjavur later this evening, even as the political war of words between the DMK and the ruling TVK-led administration continues to escalate.