Goa, Aug. 4 -- The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Tamil Nadu Police to release Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin on station bail, hours after he was arrested in connection with a controversial remark made during a public meeting in Thanjavur.

The arrest stemmed from a speech delivered by Udhayanidhi while criticising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay over the Cauvery water dispute. During the event, members of the crowd repeatedly chanted actor Trisha's name, following which the opposition leader allegedly made a double-meaning remark that many interpreted as referring to the actor. The statement quickly triggered widespread criticism from political parties and women's groups across the state.

A complaint was filed at the...