The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Tamil Nadu government, DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin over the comment on Sanatan Dharma.
As reported by PTIthe Supreme Court released notices to the state government and Udhayanidhi Stalin over the latter’s comments that Sanatan Dharma was against the idea of social justice and that it had to be eradicated.
Meanwhile, a Madras lawyer’s PIL has sought registration of an FIR against the CM’s son.
Comparing Sanatan Dharma to diseases like coronavirus, malaria and dengue fever caused by mosquitoes, Udhayanidhi expressed the view that instead of opposing such beliefs, they should be eradicated.
Also read: ‘Disrespect of Sanatan Dharma is against the Constitution,’ Union Minister says Congress’ position is not clear
Speaking at a meeting of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association, he also alleged that Sanatan Dharma is against the principles of equality and social justice.
Udhayanidhi said that the name Sanatan comes from Sanskrit. “What is the meaning of Sanatan? It is eternal, that is, it cannot be changed; no one could ask any question and that is the meaning.” Sanatan divided people on the basis of caste, he alleged.
Udhayanidhi further said on microblogging site ‘X’, “Sanatan Dharma is a principle that divides people in the name of caste and religion.” Uprooting Sanatan Dharma preserves humanity and human equality, the DMK leader claimed.
Also read: Sanatan Dharma note row: Udhyanidhi Stalin says ‘will repeat it again and again’
Earlier on September 4, Udhayanidhi Stalin’s claim that Sanatan Dharma is against social justice and therefore must be eradicated has created a political storm.
However, the Tamil Nadu minister on Monday remained defiant in his stand and said, “Day before yesterday I spoke about it (Sanatana Dharma) at a meeting. Whatever I said, I will repeat the same thing again and again… I have included all religions and not just the Hindus… I have spoken and condemned the caste differences, that is all…’
Also read: After Amit Shah, Sitharaman targets INDIA over the Sanatan Dharma row: ‘Congress also
Udhayanidhi, who is also the head of the sports development portfolio, alleged that Sanatan Dharma in the past restricted the freedom of women and confined them to their homes. However, he noted that women today are excelling in sports and achieving financial independence.
“What did Sanatan do to women? It pushed women who had lost their husbands into the fire (the earlier practice of Sati), it tonsured the heads of widows and made them wear white saris. Child marriage also occurred.”
“What did the Dravidam (the Dravidian ideology followed by the DMK regime) do? It provided free travel for women on buses, gave ₹1,000 monthly support to girl students for their university education.” From September 15, female beneficiaries would ₹1,000 monthly assistance (basic income scheme).
(With input from agencies)
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Updated: Sep 22, 2023 12:45 PM IST