Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s legal and political troubles seem to be increasing once again. The Madurai bench of Madras High Court has made a sharp comment on his statement given in 2023 regarding Sanatan Dharma and said that such language falls in the category of hate speech.
The High Court said in its observation that there has been an open ideological attack on Hinduism for the last 100 years by DMK and before that by organizations associated with the Dravidian movement. According to the court, Udhayanidhi Stalin comes from the same ideological background, hence his statement cannot be taken lightly.
Court’s concern regarding action on hate speech
The court also expressed serious concern that people giving hate speeches sometimes get away with it, while legal action is taken against those who react to their statements. The court said that this situation is against democratic and constitutional values.
No case registered yet in Tamil Nadu
Madras High Court also noted that no FIR has been registered so far against Udhayanidhi Stalin in Tamil Nadu for his statement, while some cases related to this matter have come to light in other states. The court described this as an important question related to the principle of equal application of law.
What was the statement on Sanatan Dharma
During a public program in September 2023, Udhayanidhi Stalin had compared Sanatan Dharma with diseases like dengue, malaria and corona. He had said that “some things should not be opposed, but they should be eradicated.”
Statement indicating genocide – High Court
The High Court said in the decision that the terminology used by Udhayanidhi points towards cultural genocide. According to the court, if there is talk of ending the existence of people following a religion, then it cannot be considered as mere opinion.
Petitioner’s post was not considered hate speech
The court also clarified that the social media post of the petitioner questioning the minister’s statement cannot be termed as hate speech, as it came out as a reaction and not with the aim of spreading hatred.
Supreme Court’s stance is different
However, in January 2025, the Supreme Court had refused to hear the petitions demanding criminal action against Udhayanidhi Stalin. Despite this, the current comment of Madras High Court is being considered very important in the politics of Tamil Nadu.
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