Will act if Kanimozhi lodges plaint: Jayakumar

When asked about the BJP leader’s remarks, the Minister said “I am not speaking about individuals here. Don’t say I am supporting Kanimozhi. But, speaking about a woman in such a way is an affront to her dignity. Every woman has self-respect and it should be protected. No one can say such words about a woman at any time and it is wrong. But, to take action there should be a complaint. Criminal action begins only after a complaint.” 

To a query about the ongoing protests by the DMK, he said protests are permitted democratically and it is a way to take the issue to the people. But, action could not be taken based on protests, he said. 

He also lashed out at those who upload obscene comments on the social media and memes creators. The Minister said they should come out with their phone numbers and address if they had the courage. 

Jayakumar appealed to women to file complaints about obscene comments on the social media in the cyber cell.  He asserted that the state would protect Nirmala Devi and ensure that the culprits in the case are brought to book, whatever high their position could be. 

In an official response from the party, AIADMK spokesperson Vaigaiselvan condemned the remarks of BJP leader H Raja on Kanimozhi. 

BJP state president Tamilisai Soundararajan and Vanathi Sreenivasan had already expressed regrets over the comments made by Raja.