News Tamil Nadu

“Court Has Asked Me To Apologize, I Told Them I Won’t”: DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin Who Is Out On Bail In “Eradicate Sanatana Dharma” Remarks Case Says

October 21, 2024
The Commune

DMK scion and current Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who faced severe criticism from high courts and the Supreme Court for his earlier remarks on eradicating Sanatana Dharma, has once again found himself at the center of controversy. This time, he sparked fresh controversy by stating, “The court has asked me to apologize, but I told them, ‘What I said, is said. I’m Kalignar’s grandson, and I won’t apologize.'”

The statement from Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin came amidst his participation in a wedding ceremony at the residence of former DMK legislator Andy Ambalam in Natham, Dindigul district. In attendance were several DMK leaders, including Tamil Nadu Rural Development Minister I. Periyasamy, Food Minister A. Sakkarapani, Commercial Tax Minister P. Moorthy, Dindigul MP Sachithanandam, and Palani MLA I. P. Senthilkumar, all of whom offered their congratulations to the newlyweds.

While addressing the gathering, Udhayanidhi Stalin remarked, “There was a time when women were not allowed to leave their homes. Leaders like Anna, Periyar, and M.K. Stalin gave voice to this cause. I, too, have spoken on these issues.”

He then referred to the legal cases filed against him in various courts across India, saying that his statements have been misrepresented. Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “I also mentioned the principles given by Periyar, Peraringar Anna, and our leader Kalaignar. But my statements were distorted falsely and I have now been sued in several courts in India, not only in Tamil Nadu. The court has asked me to apologize, but I have stated, ‘What I said is said. I am Kalaignar’s grandson, and I will not apologize for anything.’ Now, I am facing the charges.”

He continued, criticizing efforts to impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu, stating, “There are attempts to push Hindi in subtle ways. While they couldn’t impose it directly, they are now trying to erase Tamil words from greetings and, under the guise of the new education policy, push Hindi onto Tamil Nadu. Many people supported these efforts, but the people of Tamil Nadu opposed it. Some even tried to change the name of Tamil Nadu, which was named after Anna, but had to apologize after widespread protests. There are also efforts to erase Dravidian identity from Tamil culture. The DMK will stand firm against this. As long as Tamils exist, our language, culture, and Dravidian identity will remain untouchable.”

Concluding his speech, Udhayanidhi Stalin advised the newlyweds, “The bride and groom must understand and respect each other. If they are blessed with children, they should give them beautiful Tamil names.”

Only on last 25 June 2024, DMK’s Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Tamil Nadu Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, appeared before the Special Magistrate’s Court in Bengaluru to face trial for making derogatory remarks about Sanatana Dharma.

As reported by ANI news, Udhayanidhi Stalin, scion of the DMK, was granted bail on a ₹1 lakh cash surety. The 42nd People’s Representative Court in Bengaluru adjourned the matter to 8 August 2024, following a request from the advocate representing Udhayanidhi Stalin in the case related to the ‘eradicate Sanatana Dharma‘ remarks.

The court proceedings were initiated based on a complaint filed by social activist V Paramesha, who alleged that Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks had defamed him, his religion, and people of the Hindu faith. The court took cognizance of offences under IPC Sections 153 (provocation with intent to cause riot), 298 (uttering words with intent to wound religious feelings), and 500 (defamation).

The Backstory

Addressing a conference hosted by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association, titled “Eradicate Sanatana Conference,” on 2 September 2023, in Teynampet, Chennai, DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “The title of this conference has been excellently coined. You’ve named it as ‘Eradicate Sanatanam Conference’ and not ‘Oppose Sanatanam Conference’, so my best wishes to that.”

Udhayanidhi Stalin also said that some things need to be eradicated and not opposed. “Mosquitoes, dengue, flu, malaria, corona – we should not oppose these things. They’ve to be eradicated completely. Same is the case with Santanam (Hinduism). Our first work should be to eradicate Sanatanam instead of opposing it. So, my appreciations to you all for giving an apt title to the meeting”, DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said.

He also further went on to say “What is Sanatanam? The name Sanatanam itself comes from Sanskrit. Sanatanam is opposed to equality and social justice. What is the meaning of Sanatanam? Eternal or something that can’t be changed. Something that can’t be questioned. That is the meaning of Sanatanam.”

The speech sparked widespread controversy across India, leading to numerous legal cases filed against DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Previously, on 6 March 2024, the Madras High Court declined to issue a quo warranto against DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, and Nilgiris Member of Parliament A. Raja regarding the controversy surrounding their comments on eradicating Sanatana Dharma.

Justice Anita Sumanth ruled that the relief sought by the writ petitioners was premature, noting ongoing First Information Reports (FIRs) across various police stations without any convictions. The judge acknowledged that the remarks targeting Sanatana Dharma were objectionable and divisive. She stressed the importance of criticism being constructive and based on factual accuracy, particularly when made by incumbent Ministers. Justice Anita Sumanth highlighted the necessity for public figures to uphold constitutional values and refrain from statements that undermine social harmony. Despite arguments that Minister Sekarbabu had only attended the conference and not spoken on the subject, the judge noted that participation alone could imply endorsement of the conference’s themes.

She also condemned statements likening Sanatana Dharma to diseases such as HIV, AIDS, dengue, and malaria as misleading and contrary to constitutional principles.

In March 2024, the Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta rebuked DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin for his contentious remarks on Sanatana Dharma, stating that he had “misused his privileges.” The court made these remarks while addressing Udhayanidhi Stalin’s request to consolidate First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against him regarding his alleged statements.

The Bench remarked, “You have abused your rights… You know what you have said. You should have realized the consequences. You are a Minister, not a layman,” during the hearing.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.