'Not A Layman, Should Know Consequences': SC To Hear Udhayanidhi Stalin's Plea To Club FIRs Over 'Sanatan' Remark

The Supreme Court agreed to hear plea by the DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin for clubbing of FIRs lodged against him over his remarks regarding "Sanatana Dharma," after lawyer cited Nupur Sharma case

Justice Datta told Singhvi that his client is not a layman. "You are a minister. You should know the consequences."  ( Image Source :PTI )

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear petition filed by the DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin for clubbing of FIRs lodged against him over his remarks regarding "Sanatana Dharma." The court however, also expressed displeasure at remarks made by the DMK leader and asked him if he was not aware of the consequences of his remarks.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Udhayanidhi Stalin told the top court that several FIRs have been filed in Uttar Pradesh, Bangalore,Patna, Jammu, etc. and requested for the FIRs to be clubbed

Justice Dipankar Datta while hearing the case asked whether Udhayanidhi Stalin realises the consequences of his remarks.

 "...you abuse your rights under Article 19(1)(a) and Article 25 right. Now you are exercising your Article 32 right? Do you not know the consequences of what you said?" Justice Datta asked.

A bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta initially suggested that he should approach the high court first.

Senior advocate Singhvi however, cited the previous cases of Arnab Goswami, Nupur Sharma, Mohd Zubair, and Amish Devgan where Supreme Court agreed to club FIRs.

Singhvi reasoned that there are FIRs against Stalin in six states and thus he will have to move six high courts which will be equivalent to persecution before prosecution.

Justice Datta told Singhvi that his client is not a layman. "You are a minister. You should know the consequences." 

Singhvi however persisted had took the division bench through earlier judgments by the top court in similar cases.

Justice Khanna then agreed to list the case on Friday.

The case pertains to the remarks by Udhayanidhi Stalin who is also son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. In September 2023, he made remarks comparing 'Sanatana Dharma' to diseases like 'malaria' and 'dengue'. He further asked for elimination of Sanatan Dharma saying it was rooted in the caste system and historical discrimination.

This triggered a political row and several several criminal complaints were filed against Udhayanidhi.