Sanatan Dharma Row: SC Issues Notice To TN Govt, Udhayanidhi Stalin

Sanatan Dharma Row: The petitioner also sought to declare the participation of Udhayanidhi in the Sanatan Dharma conference as "Unconstitutional". 

In September, the Minister's remark on 'Sanatan Dharma' created a political row across the country with a few supporting and many of them opposing the claim made by the Minister.  ( Image Source :PTI )

The Supreme Court issued a notice to Tamil Nadu government and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for his remarks on 'Sanatan Dharma'. Earlier, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking an order to register an FIR against Udhayanidhi for his remarks. The petitioner also sought to declare the participation of Udhayanidhi in the Sanatan Dharma conference as "Unconstitutional".  In September, the Minister's remark on 'Sanatan Dharma' created a political row across the country with a few supporting and many of them opposing the claim made by the Minister. 

According to ANI, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin for his remarks on 'Sanatan Dharma'. 

The Apex Court also issued notice to MP A Raja, MP Thirumavalavan, MP Su Venkatesan, Tamil Nadu DGP, Greater Chennai Police Commissioner, Union Home Ministry, Minister for Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Department PK Sekar Babu, Chairman of Tamil Nadu State Minorities Commission Peter Alphonse and others.

 

 

Supreme Court issues notice to the Tamil Nadu government and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin for his remarks on 'Sanatan Dharma'

(file pic) pic.twitter.com/8HeBATdwwx

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2023

 

The Court, as per Live Law said, "No tagging order. Notice issued." 

Further, the court had asked why couldn't the petitioner go to the HC. "You are converting us into a police station," the court said, as quoted by Live Law.

On the Supreme Court issuing notice, DMK leader TKS Elangovan said, "There was a petition filed and they are seeking the clarification. Let the clarification go... The matter is before the court, we will ask them (Central govt) to explain what is 'Sanatan Dharma', whether it talks about equanimity in a civilised society or old barbaric method. Let them explain. We will respond to court..."

Earlier, the Sports and Youth Affairs Minister addressed an 'Anti-Sanatan Conference' in Chennai. At the conference, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, "There are some things which we have to eradicate and can’t merely oppose. Mosquitoes, dengue, fever, malaria and coronavirus, all these are things that we cannot oppose, we have to eradicate them. Sanatanam (Sanatan Dharma) is like this.”

The statement immediately kickstarted a controversy with an Ayodhya seer even announcing a bounty for the Minister's head.

TN CM Stalin extended his support to the Minister and his son.

Later, PM Modi during a meeting of the Council of Ministers permitted the ministers to speak on the Sanatan Dharma row with conditions.