Supreme Court Rebukes Udhayanidhi Stalin in ‘Sanatana’ Case
4th March 2024The Supreme Court has delivered a stern rebuke to DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding his remarks on ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ asserting that he has “abused his rights.” The court’s comments came during the hearing of Udhayanidhi Stalin’s plea seeking the consolidation of FIRs against him over his alleged statements.
In today’s proceedings, the Supreme Court admonished Udhayanidhi Stalin, who also serves as a Tamil Nadu Minister, for his contentious remarks on ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ cautioning him that as a public figure, he must be mindful of the consequences of his statements.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Udhayanidhi Stalin, referenced previous verdicts in cases involving Arnab Goswami, Mohammad Zubair, and others, while advocating for the consolidation of the FIRs. However, the Supreme Court suggested that Udhayanidhi Stalin pursue his case in the High Court instead.
Singhvi expressed concerns about the potential challenges of navigating multiple courts, characterizing the situation as “persecution before the prosecution.”
In response, the court scheduled the case for a hearing next week.
The controversy surrounding Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, stems from remarks made in September 2023, where he called for the eradication of ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ citing its association with the caste system and discrimination. He controversially likened ‘Sanatana Dharma’ to diseases like coronavirus and malaria.
