A group of Tamil Nadu-based advocates have filed a plea in front of the Supreme Court Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for his comments on the "Sanatan Dharma," a Sanskrit term used to describe an "eternal religion." However, the court has refused an urgent hearing on the matter.

The plea alleges that Stalin made derogatory comments against "Sanatan Dharma" and seeks legal intervention to restrain him from making fresh statements on the issue.

Due to the Supreme Court's refusal to hear the matter on an urgent basis, the case will follow standard listing procedure.

Udhayanidhi, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, had compared the spread of "Sanatana Dharma" to diseases such as "COVID-19, dengue and malaria." The DMK leader went on the blame the dharma for promoting division and discrimination among people, calling for its eradication.

However, the minister was unapologetic about his comments and maintained that he would "face" all cases legally.

VIDEO | "I'm sorry. And this not an apology to them, this is for your (reporter) question," says Tamil Nadu minister Udayanidhi Stalin in response to a media query on demands of apology over his remarks on 'Sanatan Dharma'. pic.twitter.com/YIHTHCHrl3

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 6, 2023

His comments were met with widespread condemnation from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party as well as Opposition members such as Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha.

FIRs have also been registered against Udhayanidhi Stalin and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge in Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai over their remarks.

Complainants claim that the comments have hurt the sentiments and religious feelings of those who follow the Sanatan Dharma.

(Edited by : Ayushi Agarwal)

First Published:Sept 15, 2023 1:24 PM IST