DELHI: The Supreme Court has provided relief to Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding his controversial remarks on Sanatana Dharma. The court has ordered that no new FIRs should be registered against him concerning this matter.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments on Sanatana Dharma had sparked widespread controversy, drawing strong criticism from Hindu organizations and various groups. Following his remarks, multiple FIRs were registered across several states, including a recent case in Bihar. Seeking legal protection, Stalin approached the Supreme Court, requesting the consolidation of all FIRs filed against him.
A Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar took up the matter on Thursday. The court ruled that no new cases should be registered against Stalin without its approval regarding the Sanatana Dharma issue.
Background of the Controversy
In 2023, during an event in Chennai, Udhayanidhi Stalin had stated that Sanatana Dharma was similar to diseases like dengue and malaria, arguing that it should be eradicated. His remarks triggered a massive backlash across the country, with many individuals and organizations demanding an apology.
Despite the criticism, Udhayanidhi Stalin remained firm on his stance, stating that he stood by his words and had no intention of apologizing. His statement further fueled debates and led to multiple legal complaints.
With the Supreme Court’s latest order, Stalin now has temporary relief from further legal action related to this matter.