The Madras High Court has granted bail to Vilathikulam MLA GV Markandayan in a case registered against him for allegedly making derogatory and threatening remarks against CM Joseph Vijay.

Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan was inclined to grant bail on the condition that Markandayan files an affidavit undertaking that he will not make such remarks against the CM in the future. Markandayan has also been directed to appear before the investigating officer twice daily for a period of two weeks, except on days when the State Legislative Assembly is in session

As per the prosecution, on July 18, Markandayan held a public meeting to express gratitude to the voters on behalf of the political party. During the meeting, he allegedly made highly derogatory, abusive, and threatening remarks against the Chief Minister. It was alleged that he had insulted the Chief Minister and said that the CM would be dealt with inside the Legislative Assembly and would be harmed if certain actions were taken.

Based on a complaint, case was registered against Markandayan for offences under Sections 351(3), 352, and 353(2) of the BNS on July 19.

On July 20, 2026, Markandayan was arrested and remanded to judicial custody till August 3, 2026, by the Magistrate. The Magistrate had expressed satisfaction with the remand report and found prima facie case against Markandayan.

Markandayan had also approached the court challenging the remand order of the Magistrate. It was argued that the offences against him carried a punishment for imprisonment for a term which may extend to 7 years. He argued that as per Section 35(3) of the BNS [Section 41A of CrPC], he should not have been arrested without affording an opportunity to appear.

Markandayan had approached the High Court with the bail petition after the Thoothukudi Magistrate refused to grant him bail.

When the matter came up for hearing on Monday, the State Public Prosecutor John Sathyan said that there was no objection to granting bail since the assembly session was starting soon. The prosecutor however submitted that Markandayan should be prevented from making such remarks in the future.

Considering the materials, the court was inclined to grant bail.

Case: G.V.Markandayan v State [CRL OP(MD) 16216/2026]