Sanatana Dharma row: 'Petition against me due to ideological differences', udhayanidhi's reply in HC; Now hearing on 31st

DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin told the Madras High Court in the controversial Sanatan Dharma remarks case that a petition was filed against him for continuing in public office due to ideological differences. He said that the petitioner is a Hindu right-wing organization.

Senior advocate P Wilson, appearing for Udhayanidhi, also said that Article 25 of the Constitution, allows the right to practice and propagate religion. It also gives people the right to practice and propagate atheism.

Wilson said before Justice Anita Sumant on Monday that Article 25 read with Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of expression) protects the minister's speech.

Right-wing organization Hindu Munnani had filed a warrant to maintain the status quo challenging Udhayanidhi's continuation in public office over his alleged remarks against Sanatan Dharma at an event last month.

Wilson further said that the petitioners have filed this case because DMK leaders are opposed to their ideology. Stalin talks about self-respect, equality, rational thought, and brotherhood, while the opposition sect talks about division based on caste.

The judge asked the petitioners to produce the invitation to the event and the list of those who attended the meeting. Later the judge fixed October 31 for the next hearing of the case.

What is the matter?

It is known that Udhayanidhi Stalin had compared Sanatan Dharma to dengue and malaria. He said that some things cannot be opposed, rather it is necessary to eliminate them. Just as we cannot only oppose dengue and malaria, it is also necessary to eliminate them. Similarly, Sanatan Dharma should not only be opposed but it should also be destroyed.

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