Tamil Nadu Minister Faces Legal Backlash Over Alleged Misconduct At Public Event

Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan has become the subject of legal complaints following a viral video recorded on June 21, 2026, at an anti-drug marathon in Melur, Madurai. The footage appears to show the minister touching the legs and toes of several minor girl athletes during the public event, which was held to commemorate the birthdays of the Chief Minister and a senior Congress leader. The imagery has sparked widespread public and political outrage regarding the boundaries of professional conduct for elected officials interacting with minors.

In response to the video, a legal wing representative of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) filed a formal complaint with the Director General of Police on June 24, 2026. The petition seeks to invoke the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, specifically sections addressing sexual harassment, alongside relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Simultaneously, the Tamil Nadu Child Rights Watch has appealed to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights to intervene and establish rigorous protocols for how public figures should engage with children in professional or ceremonial settings.

Minister Viswanathan has denied all allegations of wrongdoing, characterizing his actions as a compassionate response to students who had fainted in the intense heat during the marathon. He maintains that he was merely administering first aid and has accused political opponents of orchestrating a malicious smear campaign. Despite his defense, various political entities, including the BJP, have joined the criticism, with national spokespeople demanding his immediate removal from the state cabinet to preserve the integrity of the office.