In a significant relief for Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain three writ petitions seeking criminal action against him in the ‘Sanatana Dharma’ case. Stalin had faced widespread backlash and multiple FIRs following his controversial remarks in September 2023 about ‘Sanatana Dharma.’
The court reviewed the writ petitions filed by B Jagannath, Vineet Jindal, and Sanatan Suraksha Parishad, which were prompted by Udhayanidhi’s statement that ‘Sanatana Dharma’ was a disease that should be eradicated like Dengue and Malaria. The petitioners argued that the speech amounted to “hate speech” and hurt their religious sentiments.
A bench comprising Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice Prasanna B Varale dismissed the petitions, questioning how they could be maintained under Article 32 of the Constitution. Senior Advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu, representing the petitioners, requested permission to withdraw the petitions with the option to pursue other legal remedies. The court allowed the withdrawal, giving the petitioners the liberty to explore alternative legal options.
Stalin’s Defiant Stance
In October 2023, Stalin had firmly stated that he would not apologize for his comments advocating the “eradication” of Sanatana Dharma, asserting that his words had been misinterpreted. He explained that he was merely echoing the views of Dravidian leaders such as Periyar, former Chief Ministers CN Annadurai and M Karunanidhi.
During the ‘Sanatana Abolition Conference’ in 2023, Stalin criticized Sanatana Dharma for its alleged contradictions with social justice and equality, leading to significant protests and legal actions, particularly from the BJP and Hindu organizations. In response, Stalin remarked, “My words were twisted. Cases were filed against me not just in Tamil Nadu, but across India. I was asked to apologize, but I stand by my statements. I am the grandson of Kalaignar, and I will not apologize. I will face all the cases.”
Udhayanidhi Stalin, aged 46, was appointed Deputy Chief Minister on September 30, 2023, after initially facing delays due to the controversy.