(Image Credit: Deccan Herald)
On 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.
Karnataka: Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin's 'Santana Dharma' remark matter: 42nd People Representative Bengaluru Court posts the matter to 8th August at the request of an Advocate. Bail has been granted on Rs 1 lakh cash surety.
— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2024
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.”
தமிழ்நாடு முற்போக்கு எழுத்தாளர் கலைஞர்கள் சங்கம் சார்பில்
சமத்துவத்தையும் – சமூகநீதியையும் நிலைநாட்டும் வகையில் நடைபெற்ற சனாதன ஒழிப்பு மாநாட்டில் இன்று (02.09.2023) மாண்புமிகு அமைச்சர் திரு.@Udhaystalin , திராவிடர் கழகத் தலைவர் ஆசிரியர் திரு.@AsiriyarKV ஆகியோருடன் பங்கேற்றோம். pic.twitter.com/TcC2TVh4HQ— P.K. Sekar Babu (@PKSekarbabu) September 2, 2023
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.”
I.N.Di.A alliance partner organizing conference to finish Sanatana dharma… pic.twitter.com/5tY84luLyq
— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) September 2, 2023
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.
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