DMK's Udhayanidhi Stalin gets bail in "Sanatana Dharma" remarks case
- In Reports
- 08:29 PM, Jun 25, 2024
- Myind Staff
On June 25, a city court in Bengaluru granted bail to Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin in a case filed against him over his controversial remarks about Sanatana Dharma. Udhayanidhi had made these statements during a seminar in Chennai focused on the eradication of Sanatana Dharma. He compared Sanatana Dharma to diseases such as HIV, AIDS, and malaria, stating that it needed to be eradicated rather than merely opposed.
The DMK leader appeared before the 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate following a court notice requiring his personal appearance.
Recently, the Karnataka High Court had stayed further investigation against the seminar's organisers. While granting relief, the court observed, "Co-existence is the mantra. Although we may not agree with each other, we should respect each other. That is the cult which the constitution wants. It is not for one particular community. This country is meant for all communities, we have been residing here and we hold it as our motherland."
Meanwhile, the Madras High Court strongly criticised Udhayanidhi Stalin's statements. "By equating Sanatana Dharma to HIV, AIDS, leprosy, malaria, and corona, the individual respondents have revealed an alarming lack of understanding of Hinduism. Their statements are perverse, divisive, and contrary to Constitutional principles and ideals, and tantamount to gross dis or misinformation," the court stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in on the issue, asserting that the Opposition INDIA bloc aims to destroy Sanatana Dharma.
In March, Udhayanidhi Stalin approached the Supreme Court seeking the consolidation of multiple first-information reports filed against him in different states over his remarks. However, the top court criticised Stalin for his comments, noting that he had violated his right to freedom of speech guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution.
Image Source: India TV
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