TN CM Vijay warns law on insulting women

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay stated on Monday, September 7, 2026, that the law will take action if women are insulted, addressing a political controversy surrounding remarks made by Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin involving actor Trisha. Speaking in the state Assembly, Vijay emphasized that while political criticism is permissible, demeaning language directed at women will not be tolerated. The controversy began on August 3 during a Cauvery protest in Thanjavur. As Udhayanidhi Stalin was speaking, supporters chanted actor Trisha's name. Stalin then paused and made a remark that critics interpreted as an innuendo about the actor. The following day, August 4, police arrested Stalin from his Chennai residence and took him to Thanjavur for questioning. He was later released on bail. Stalin has maintained that he did not intend to insult women and was solely focused on the Cauvery water-sharing issue. He also accused the government of political vendetta. In his address, Chief Minister Vijay called for introspection on how freedom of speech is used, stating, "At the same time, speaking of our people or women in a demeaning way, let's not have that.