Vairamuthu cites IPC Section 84 while describing Ram’s mental state post Sita’s separation

New Delhi, August 12, 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu of offending Hindu feelings in a speech he gave about Lord Ram at a literary event. The incident happened during a ceremony where Vairamuthu received an award named for Kambar, a medieval Tamil poet who wrote the Tamil adaptation of the epic Ramayana. Vairamuthu claimed during the ceremony that Lord Ram “lost his mind” after being split up from his wife, Goddess Sita. Ram lost his mental stability and was uncertain of what he was doing after being separated from Sita, he said. Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) states that an act committed as a result of insanity or mental disorder is not criminal.

Furthermore, Vairamuthu stated, “Kamban understood society and the human mind, even though he may not have been familiar with the law.” Ram becomes a human being and Kamban becomes celestial since Ram is completely cleared and forgiven. MK Stalin, Tamil Nadu’s chief minister, attended the event.

In response, BJP leader CR Kesavan strongly denounced the comments on X (previously Twitter), labeling Vairamuthu “a disgusting repeat offender” for demeaning Hindu deities and misrepresenting Hindu Dharma. He said that by implying that Lord Ram was mentally ill, the poet was “perversely misinterpreting” the Kamba Ramayana.

In an adamant post, Kesavan said, “Vairamuthu misread the Kamba Ramayanam to assert that Lord Rama was no longer sane and could not be held responsible under IPC Section 84, which addresses legal insanity. Vairamuthu must immediately apologize to the crores of Lord Rama devotees and to Hindu Dharma for being a disgrace.