What Charges Has Udhayanidhi Stalin Been Booked Under After Trisha Remark Controversy?
DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin has been arrested in connection with remarks made during a Cauvery protest that sparked controversy over an alleged reference to actor Trisha. Police have booked him under multiple Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions, the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act and the IT Act.
Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested from his residence on Tuesday, August 4, in connection with remarks made during a political rally that triggered controversy over an alleged reference to actor Trisha. The arrest follows complaints filed after his speech at a Cauvery protest in Thanjavur, where critics alleged he made an inappropriate innuendo.
According to details accessed by NDTV, police have booked the DMK leader under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women (TNPHW) Act and the Information Technology (IT) Act. Udhayanidhi has said he will challenge the arrest through legal means, while the DMK has termed the action "political vendetta." What Udhayanidhi Stalin Said About Trisha, Which Led to His Arrest (Video).
What Charges Has Udhayanidhi Stalin Been Booked Under?
Police have invoked the following provisions against Udhayanidhi Stalin:
- Section 196, BNS: Promoting enmity and hatred.
- Section 192, BNS: Provoking a riot.
- Section 352, BNS: Intentional insult.
- Section 79, BNS: Acts, words or gestures intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
- Section 296(b), BNS: Obscene acts and songs in public.
- Section 61, BNS: Criminal conspiracy.
- Section 351(2), BNS: Criminal intimidation.
In addition, he has been booked under:
- Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women (TNPHW) Act, which deals with harassment of women in public or private places.
- Section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, relating to publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.
What Did Udhayanidhi Stalin Say After His Arrest?
Visuals showed Udhayanidhi Stalin smiling as police escorted him following his arrest. Speaking briefly to the media, he described the arrest as a "joke" and said he would "fight it legally." The DMK defended its leader and rejected the allegations.
DMK leader TKS Elangovan said: "Nothing was said against anyone. Udayanidhi listed out Vijay's failures. There was nothing insulting in speech. He didn't even name Trisha." Udhayanidhi Stalin Faces NCW Complaint by TVK Over Trisha Krishnan-Linked Remark (Video).
What Is the Controversy?
The controversy stems from a political rally on the Cauvery water dispute in Thanjavur.
During his speech, Udhayanidhi criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, alleging that the state had not received Cauvery water while the Chief Minister remained silent on the issue.
As members of the audience began chanting "Trisha, Trisha," Udhayanidhi paused and made a remark that critics interpreted as an innuendo referring to actor Trisha, who has co-starred with Vijay in several films.
The clip quickly went viral, drawing criticism from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the BJP.
Following the speech, TVK submitted a complaint to the National Commission for Women (NCW) seeking action against Udhayanidhi Stalin. The party also filed a police complaint, alleging that the remarks were inappropriate and offensive. The arrest marks the latest development in the controversy, with the matter now expected to proceed through the legal process.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 04, 2026 12:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
