Tamil Nadu: The Supreme Court has mandated that authorities must obtain its explicit permission before registering any new criminal cases against Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding his controversial remarks on Sanatan Dharma.
Authorities across various states, including Maharashtra, Bihar, Jammu, and Karnataka, have filed multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) against Stalin following his statements in September 2023. Speaking at a Chennai event organized by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Artists Association on ‘Eradication of Sanatan,’ Stalin compared Sanatan Dharma to diseases like malaria and dengue, asserting that society should eradicate it rather than merely oppose it.
In response to these FIRs, Stalin approached the Supreme Court, seeking the consolidation of all cases against him into a single jurisdiction to avoid multiple legal proceedings. His legal representatives highlighted that cases are pending in various states, emphasizing the challenges of addressing them individually.
The Supreme Court, acknowledging the potential implications on freedom of speech, issued notices to the complainants in these cases. The Court also extended interim protection to Stalin, ensuring that no further arrests occur without its approval.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta warned of communal tensions, but the Court prioritized consolidating cases for a fair trial over evaluating remarks.
Stalin’s remarks have sparked significant controversy, with various political leaders and organizations expressing strong objections. Despite the backlash, Stalin has stood by his comments, asserting that his views align with social justice principles advocated by leaders like B.R. Ambedkar and Periyar.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for the week commencing April 21, during which it will further examine the consolidation of the cases and the legal arguments presented by both sides. Until then, the Court’s consent is required before registering any new FIRs, and Stalin continues to have interim protection.
