New Delhi: The Supreme Court delivered a stern rebuke to Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding his contentious remarks advocating for the “eradication” of Sanatana Dharma.
Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, comprising the bench, questioned the minister’s decision to seek recourse in the apex court following his provocative statements, emphasizing that as a minister, he ought to comprehend the repercussions of his words.
” You abuse your right under Article 19(1)(a) (of the Constitution). You abuse your right under Article 25. Now you are exercising your right under Article 32 (to file plea in the Supreme Court)? Do you not know the consequences of what you said? You are not a layman. You are a minister. You should know the consequences,” remarked the Supreme Court bench before deferring the matter to March 15.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M K Stalin, made the contentious assertion during a conference in September 2023. He asserted that Sanatana Dharma opposes social justice and equality and advocated for its “eradication.” The statement sparked widespread criticism, particularly from BJP figures who denounced the minister’s likening of Sanatana Dharma to afflictions such as dengue and malaria.
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The dispute intensified on social media, with the BJP accusing the Congress of endorsing a “genocidal” stance against Sanatana Dharma.
Responding to the backlash on social platforms, Udhayanidhi Stalin refuted allegations that he called for the extermination of adherents to Sanatana Dharma. He contended that Sanatana Dharma perpetuates societal stratifications based on caste and religion and stands in opposition to equality and social justice. The Tamil Nadu minister asserted his readiness to present the extensive writings of social activist Periyar and Dr. BR Ambedkar, who extensively studied Sanatana Dharma.
“I am prepared to present the extensive writings of Periyar and Ambedkar, who meticulously analyzed Sanatana Dharma and its adverse effects on society in any forum. Allow me to reiterate the pivotal aspect of my discourse: akin to the dissemination of diseases like COVID-19, dengue, and malaria by mosquitoes, I opine that Sanatana Dharma is culpable for numerous social maladies,” wrote Udhayanidhi Stalin in a social media post last year. “I am ready to confront any challenges, whether in a court of law or public opinion. Cease spreading misinformation,” he added.
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