Bengaluru, July 9 -- Political leaders wrongly believe they are the kings who can do no wrong, the Madras high court remarked on Tuesday as it criticised former Tamil Nadu minister K Ponmudi for "misusing" free speech and questioned the state police's decision to close over 120 complaints against the DMK leader for his alleged vulgar comments about women, and Hindu sects Shaivites and Vaishnavites. A single bench of justice P Velmurugan reminded Ponmudi that politicians were not above the law. The court also decided to keep pending its suo motu proceedings against the leader. "Nowadays, all politicians, all persons making public speeches think Article 19 gives them absolute rights...that only sky is the limit. Court cannot simply be a silent spectator. There are reasonable restrictions..." the judge remarked. ".A strong message should go. So many things are being said, as if they (politicians) are the kings of this country. Whatever they say, they think they can do no wrong." Justice Velmurugan made the observations after advocate general PS Raman, appearing for the Tamil Nadu government, told the court that the state police had examined over 120 complaints registered against Ponmudi following his comments and decided to "close all complaints" against him. At an event on April 8, Ponmudi had recited a joke linking the religious forehead markings of Shaivites and Vaishnavites to sexual positions, provoking widespread outrage. htc...