Prominent figures urge CJI to take cognizance of Udhayanidhi’s controversial remarks on ‘Sanatan Dharma’

Over 260 prominent individuals, including former judges and civil servants, have penned a letter to Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, urging him to take cognizance of DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin’s controversial statement regarding “Sanatan Dharma.”
In their letter addressed to the Chief Justice, the signatories, which include former Delhi High Court judge, expressed their concern about Stalin’s comments, characterising them not only as a hate speech but also highlighting his refusal to offer an apology for his remarks. The letter, signed by 262 individuals, asserts that Stalin’s remarks unquestionably amount to “hate speech” against a significant portion of India’s population and strike at the very core of the Indian Constitution, which envisions India as a secular nation. It stresses the necessity for action to preserve the country’s secular character, and any delay in addressing these “very serious issues” by the authorities may result in contempt of court.
The letter further notes that the state government has declined to take action and has allegedly disregarded the court’s orders, thus seriously undermining and even ridiculing the rule of law.
“We urge the Supreme Court to take suo moto notice of contempt, ensuring accountability for the inaction of the State Government of Tamil Nadu, and take decisive steps to prevent the inducement of hate speech, preserving public order and peace, and we request you to take immediate appropriate actions. We sincerely hope for the thoughtful consideration of our plea and implore immediate measures to ensure justice and the rule of law prevail,” the letter concludes.
Udhayanidhi Stalin had made the controversial statement during a gathering of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association in Chennai, where he likened Sanatan Dharma to diseases like coronavirus, malaria, and dengue, suggesting that such beliefs should be eliminated rather than opposed.