The Madras High Court recently adjourned quo warranto petitions filed against Ministers Udhayanidhi Stalin, PK Sekarbabu, and Member of Parliament (MP) A Raja for their comments on Sanatana Dharma. The court directed the Hindu Munnani petitioners to submit the alleged speeches for further examination.The petitioners, namely T Manohar, Kishore Kumar, and VP Jayakumar, who are functionaries of Hindu Munnani, approached the Madras High Court seeking action against the Ministers and MP for their alleged comments against Sanatana Dharma. They argued that Sanatana Dharma forms the foundation of the Hindu religion, and despite being representatives of the citizens, the Ministers and MP acted against the beliefs and faith of Hindus, who make up the majority in the country.
Furthermore, the petitioners contended that by holding the posts of MLA, Minister, and MP, the respondents violated the principles of fundamental duties as enumerated in Article 51-A (c) (e) of the Constitution of India. They sought the court to issue a show cause notice to the Ministers and MP, questioning the authority under which they hold their respective positions as representatives of the people.
Senior advocate P Wilson, appearing for Udhayanidhi Stalin, argued that the petition was misconceived and not maintainable. He stated that there was no violation with regard to appointment to public office or any disqualification under the Constitution or laws. In this case, no such disqualification is attracted, and holding a political viewpoint cannot be considered a disqualification.
Following these arguments, Justice Anita Sumanth directed the petitioners to submit the relevant speeches made by the respondents regarding the Sanatana Dharma comments. The matter was adjourned to October 11 for further hearing.
The controversy arose when, on September 2, Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin equated Sanatana Dharma with diseases like Malaria and Dengue, suggesting that it should be eradicated like these ailments. This statement was made during an event organized by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Association against Sanatana Dharma, and Minister PK Sekarbabu also participated in the event.