The Supreme Court today criticized DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for his controversial comments on ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ stating that he “abused his rights.” The court was addressing Udhayanidhi Stalin’s plea to combine FIRs related to his alleged remarks.
“You have abused your rights… You know what you have said. You should have realized the consequences. You are a Minister, not a layman,” remarked the Supreme Court during the hearing.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Udhayanidhi Stalin, referred to previous judgments involving Arnab Goswami, Mohammad Zubair, and others while arguing for the consolidation of FIRs. However, the Supreme Court suggested that the DMK leader could approach the High Court instead.
“If I have to move multiple courts, I’ll be tied up in this. This is persecution before the prosecution,” Singhvi argued. In response, the court decided to list the case for a hearing next week – 15 March 2024.
The controversy surrounding Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, originated from remarks he made in September 2023, where he called for the eradication of ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ claiming it was based on the caste system and discrimination. He compared ‘Sanatana Dharma’ to coronavirus and malaria.
'You have abused your rights under 19(1)a and 25! You know what you have said and now have come under 32? You should have realised the consequences, you are a minister not a layman"
Supreme Court tells Udhayanidhi Stalin #SupremeCourtofIndia @Udhaystalin pic.twitter.com/UhmcFBBTx5
— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) March 4, 2024
(with inputs from India Today)
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