Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin received backlash from the Supreme Court Bench led by justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta over his contentious remark propagating Sanatana Dharma’s “eradication”. The Bench questioned the minister’s decision to approach the apex court after making provocative remarks and not acting responsibly as a minister.
“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)… You are not a layman. You are a minister. You should know the consequences,” stated the Supreme Court Bench before adjourning the matter to March 15.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, propagated Sanatana Dharma should be “eradicated” like dengue, malaria and Covid for it being against social justice and equality. The statement, made during a conference last September, courted a massive controversy and received backlash.
The controversy gained momentum on social media. The BJP too accused the Congress of backing a “genocidal” call against Sanatana Dharma.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, reacting to the criticism on social media, said he was ready to present social activist Periyar and Dr BR Ambedkar’s in-depth research based on Sanatana Dharma.
“Let me reiterate the crucial aspect of my speech: I believe, like the spread of diseases like Covid, Dengue, and Malaria by mosquitoes, that Sanatana Dharma is responsible for many social evils,” shared Udhayanidhi Stalin on social media last year.
“I am prepared to confront any challenges that come my way, whether in a court of law or the people’s court,” he continued.
