New Delhi: A group of 262 distinguished individuals, comprising former high court judges and civil servants, have penned a letter to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), urging him to take notice of remarks made by DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. In his speech, Stalin had criticized Sanatan Dharma, claiming it to be in opposition to social justice and advocating for its eradication.
The letter's signatories referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling in the case of Shaheen Abdulla vs. Union of India, in which the Court directed government and law enforcement agencies to take proactive measures in such instances, even in the absence of formal complaints. Among those who signed the letter are former Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court K Sreedhar Rao, retired Delhi High Court judge SN Dhingra, Yogendra Narain (IAS), and other prominent figures.
The letter began by stating, "We, the undersigned, wish to bring to your attention a recent development that has deeply troubled the hearts and minds of ordinary citizens of India, particularly those who adhere to Sanatan Dharma."
It further quoted Udhayanidhi Stalin, who, during a press conference in Chennai, declared, "Certain things should not be opposed; they should be eliminated. We cannot oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or corona; we must eradicate them. Similarly, we must eradicate Sanatan Dharma rather than opposing it."
The signatories went on to express their concern that the Tamil Nadu Minister had deliberately asserted that Sanatan Dharma subjugated women and prevented them from leaving their homes.
Referring to the Supreme Court's observation in the case of Shaheen Abdulla vs. Union of India, the letter emphasized the importance of different religious communities coexisting harmoniously for the sake of fraternity. The Supreme Court had expressed worry about the increasing prevalence of hate speech in the country and had instructed government and law enforcement agencies to take proactive measures in such cases, without waiting for formal complaints. This action was deemed necessary to uphold the nation's secular character, and any administrative delay in addressing "very serious issues" could result in contempt of court.
The letter also pointed out that Udhayanidhi Stalin not only made a hate speech but also refused to offer an apology for his remarks. Instead, he reiterated his stance, stating, "I will continuously assert this," regarding his call for the eradication of Sanatan Dharma. His attempts to clarify his statements offered little solace to those concerned about his remarks.
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