- The letter signed by 14 former judges and 262 signatories, organized by former Delhi High Court judge Justice SN Dhingra and Shipping Secretary Gopal Krishna.
- They requested that the Supreme Court start suo moto contempt proceedings against the Tamil Nadu state government for its inactivity.
- The signatories said Udhayanidhi’s remark has “caused much anguish in the hearts and minds of common citizens of India and especially those who believe in Sanatan Dharam.”
- The signatories further expressed their anger over the Tamil Nadu government refusing to take any action against Udhayanidhi and rather choosing to justify his remarks.
As many as 262 people, including 14 former judges, have written to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud requesting for “suo moto cognizance of Hate Speech made by Udhayanidhi Stalin that could incite communal disharmony and sectarian violence.”
Udhayanidhi, son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and a state minister, last week claimed that ‘Sanatan Dharma’ is anti-equality and social justice and should be abolished has sparked massive outrage across the nation. He further compared ‘Sanatan Dharma’ to coronavirus, malaria, and dengue illness, claiming that such entities should be eradicated rather than fought.
“These remarks undeniably amount to hate speech against a large population of India and strike at the very core of the Constitution of India which envisages Bharat as a secular nation. Moreover, the rule of law was further undermined when the State Government of Tamil Nadu refused to take any action against Udhayanidhi Stalin and rather chose to justify his remarks,” the letter addressed to the CJI read.
The signatories said Udhayanidhi’s remark has “caused much anguish in the hearts and minds of common citizens of India and especially those who believe in Sanatan Dharam.”
They were even angry with the Tamil Nadu minister for refusing to apologize for his remarks and instead justifying himself by stating, “I will say this continuously” with reference to his remark that Santan Dharma should be eradicated.
“He reiterated that he stands by his remarks and offered ambiguities and nuances that did little to address the concerns raised by people. We the undersigned are deeply concerned with these remarks made by Udhayanidhi Stalin. These remarks undeniably amount to hate speech against a large population of India and strikes at the very core of the Constitution of India which envisages Bharat as a secular nation,” the letter read.
The signatories further expressed their anger over the Tamil Nadu government refusing to take any action against Udhayanidhi and rather choosing to justify his remarks.
The cases should be suo moto registered and the offenders should be proceeded against in accordance with law. Any hesitation to act as per the directions would be viewed as contempt of court,” the letter stated.
“Therefore, since the State Government has refused to take action and acted in contempt of the Court’s orders and gravely undermined or rather made a mockery of the rule of law, we urge the Hon’ble Supreme Court to take the 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,” the letter read. “We sincerely hope for the thoughtful consideration of our plea and implore immediate measures to ensure justice and the rule of law to prevail,” the signatories said.
(With inputs from agencies)
