The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the police to release Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin on station bail after completing questioning in connection with the case over his alleged remarks about actor Trisha.
The order came hours after the DMK leader was arrested and taken to Thanjavur for questioning following complaints lodged over his remarks.
Court directs questioning to end on Tuesday
During the hearing, the Tamil Nadu government's Advocate General informed the High Court that Udhayanidhi had been taken into custody based on complaints filed by women. The state also told the court that he would be released once the inquiry was completed.
Taking note of the submission, the court directed the police to finish questioning the DMK leader on Tuesday itself and not continue the process into the next day.
The judge further ordered that Udhayanidhi be released on station bail immediately after the inquiry, in accordance with the law.
Bail plea accepted with conditions
The High Court also accepted the bail petition filed by Udhayanidhi Stalin in the case.
While granting relief, the court instructed him to cooperate fully with the investigation and comply with all legal requirements during the course of the probe.
The proceedings were related to the case registered against the DMK leader over remarks he allegedly made about actor Trisha during a protest held in Thanjavur on Monday.
Case stems from Trisha remarks controversy
The controversy erupted after Udhayanidhi's comments during the protest drew complaints, leading to the registration of a case against him.
Following his arrest, he was taken to Thanjavur for questioning before the matter reached the Madras High Court.
With the latest order, the court has ensured that the police complete the inquiry within the day and release the DMK leader on station bail, while allowing the investigation into the case to continue as per law.