Santana Dharma Row: Plea In Madras High Court Says Udayanidhi Stalin, Sekar Babu And A Raja Violated Oath, Questions Authority To Hold Office

Three petitions have been filed in the Madras High Court in the nature of Quo Warranto seeking to show under what authority Sports Minister Udayanidhi Stalin, HRCW Minister Sekar Babu and MP A. Raja are continuing to hold public office in light of their recent remarks on 'Sanatana Dharma'. Justice Anita Sumanth has directed the petitioners to submit proof of their claims by October 11. The petitions have been filed by office bearers of Hindu Munnani Organisation - T Manohar, Kishore Kumar and VP Jayakumar in their personal capacity. The petitioners have contended that the Ministers/MP who have taken an oath to function for the welfare of the citizen without favour and away from personal likes and dislikes, have acted against their oath and the principles of the Constitution by participating in the meeting to eradicate Sanatana Dharma and speaking against Sanatana Dharma. The petition further says that the Ministers/MP have violated the principles of Fundamental Duties enumerated under Article 51-A (c) (e) of the Constitution which casts a duty on every person to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India and to promote harmony and spirit of brotherhood among all people. It is submitted that when the duties are mandatory on every citizen, a person holding a post of Minister has more responsibility and is much more bound by the Constitution. The petition further says that by speaking against Sanatana Dharma, which is basic Hindu Religious ideas, Udayanidhi Stalin has expressed his hatred towards the Hindus who follow Sanatana Dharma and such a person who openly declares that a faith has to be eradicated from the society cannot hold a powerful and responsible post. It is also submitted that Udayanidhi had recently openly declared that he and his wife are Christians. Thus, it was submitted that being a Christian and belonging to a different faith, Udayanidhi’s speech using demeaning words against another faith is a criminal offence under Section 153(A), 505(ii) and 295(A). Senior Advocate P Wilson, appearing for Udayanidhi Stalin, however contended that the petitioners have not produced any proof to back their claims. Following this, the court asked the petitioners to submit their proofs by October 11. Case Title: Kishore Kumar v PK Sekar Babu and another Case No: WP 29203 of 2023

Santana Dharma Row: Plea In Madras High Court Says Udayanidhi Stalin, Sekar Babu And A Raja Violated Oath, Questions Authority To Hold Office

Upasana Sajeev

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