In a significant development, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court in Bihar’s Arrah district has summoned Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Udhayanidhi Stalin over remarks made regarding Sanatan Dharma, citing potential offense to religious sentiments. The court proceedings, initiated under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 298, are scheduled for April 1, 2024.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, faces legal action following his speech at the ‘Sanatana Abolition Conference’ held in September last year. During the conference, he reportedly stated, “There are some things which we have to eradicate and we can’t merely oppose. Mosquitoes, dengue fever, malaria, corona, all these are things which we cannot oppose, we have to eradicate them. Sanatanam is also like this.”
The complaint, filed by Advocate Dharni Dhar Pandey, accuses Udhayanidhi of insulting followers of Hindu Dharma and inciting discrimination among religious groups. The petition alleges that his speech, containing terms like “dengue” and “malaria,” aimed to inflame hostility and discord among classes, posing a threat to national unity.
Furthermore, the complaint includes charges under IPC Sections 120(B), 153(A), 153(B), 295(A), and 298. Advocate Aditya, the primary witness for the complainant, emphasized that Indian law prohibits commentary on caste and religion.
Chaired by Civil Judge Manoranjan Jha, the CJM court has taken cognizance of the matter, requiring Udhayanidhi Stalin to appear either in person or through his advocate to seek bail. The next hearing is scheduled for April 1, 2024.
