Representing Annamalai, Advocate R.C. Paul Kanagaraj argued that the case should be quashed because the lower court had not issued a notice to the petitioner or obtained a proper explanation before accepting the private complaint for investigation

by Sekar Reporter · April 22, 2026

Interim Stay on Case Against Annamalai: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court has issued an interim stay on the proceedings of a case against Annamalai (former BJP State President) currently pending in a Salem court.

During a protest held in Chennai in 2023, Annamalai spoke about an event from 1956 in Madurai. He claimed that Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar had severely criticized C.N. Annadurai (Anna) for his rationalist remarks. Annamalai further alleged that Thevar warned that if an apology was not tendered, a “blood abhishekham” would be performed for Goddess Meenakshi instead of a “milk abhishekham.” He stated that, fearing this, Anna and P.T. Rajan rushed to apologize.
Legal Action:
Following these remarks, Piyush Manush, a social activist from Salem, filed a case in a Salem court seeking action against Annamalai. The Salem court had subsequently issued a summons for Annamalai to appear.
High Court Appeal:
Annamalai filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking to quash the case against him. The petition came up for hearing before Justice M. Nirmal Kumar. Representing Annamalai, Advocate R.C. Paul Kanagaraj argued that the case should be quashed because the lower court had not issued a notice to the petitioner or obtained a proper explanation before accepting the private complaint for investigation.

Accepting these arguments, the Judge granted an interim stay on the proceedings in the Salem court and exempted Annamalai from personal appearance. The hearing has been adjourned to June 15. Additionally, the court ordered the complainant, Piyush Manush, to file a response to this petition.