Freedom of Speech should be upheld, says Udhayanidhi’s counsel

In a recent courtroom showdown, Senior Counsel P Wilson defended Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin against a quo warranto petition filed by the Hindu Munnani, highlighting a crucial distinction between constitutional and societal morality. This legal clash took place before Justice Anita Sumanth and invoked a previous judgment in the case of BJP functionary and actor Kushboo, who had faced scrutiny for her remarks on premarital sex. Wilson argued that the court must be guided by constitutional morality rather than bowing to societal expectations.

Drawing a parallel between the current case and the one involving Kushboo, Wilson underscored that the court had previously safeguarded Kushboo’s freedom of speech, even though her comments may have been deemed unpalatable by some.

Wilson also took issue with the petitioner’s claim that 80% of society adheres to Sanatan, emphasising the protection of Article 25 and 19 of the Constitution, which allows individuals to profess atheism and safeguards their freedom of speech. He contended that if Sanatan is considered a religious tenet, then he has the right to promote alternative beliefs and not be compelled to follow Sanatan.

Furthermore, Wilson presented the case that Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, a follower of Periyar, had been vocal in his efforts to eradicate Sanatan. He argued that this stance was grounded in Udhayanidhi’s anti-Sanatan Dharma speech.