Accused of hate speech during an interfaith meeting on the commemoration of Fr. Stan Swami on July 18, 2021, in Arumani, in the Kanyakumari district, Fr. George Ponnaiah, a priest of the Diocese of Kuzhithurai in southern India, will face trial. The accusations against him came during a meeting attended by Christian and Muslim leaders and representatives of various organizations.
Fr. Ponnaiah condemned the closure of churches, the denial of permits to build temples, and the prohibition of holding prayer meetings amid confinement by the coronavirus, during his presentation on July 18.
However, he was accused of allegedly making comments against the local government and the leaders of the ruling Indian People’s Party. He was arrested several days later and released on bail.
Fr. George denied the charges from the beginning. He said that the videos criticizing his comments were misleadingly edited. Also, he apologized for any harm he may have caused.
“My speech has been edited and circulated on social media to show that I hurt the feelings of Hindu brothers and sisters. None of us on the stand said anything that hurt religious sentiments. If my speech hurt someone, I sincerely apologize, ”Ponnaiah said, according to UCA News.
However, the Madras High Court ruled on Friday, January 7, that Fr. Ponnaiah must go to trial for his comments, considering the offensive against Hindus.