Office bearers of right wing organisation Hindu Munnani have filed three writ petitions before the Madras High Court taking objection to the remarks by Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin about Sanatana Dharma.
They have sought issuance of a writ of quo warranto seeking explanation from Stalin, minister PK Sekarbabu and Member of Parliament A Raja to explain under what authority were they were continuing to hold public offices, “despite having participated in a conference calling for the annihilation of Sanatana Dharma.”
On Friday, Justice Anita Sumanth directed the petitioners to submit documents backing their claim that the ministers and the MP had violated the provisions of Article 51A (c) (e) of the Constitution that 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.
On September 2 this year, at a conference organised by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Artists Association in Chennai, Udhayanidhi Stalin had said that a few things must not merely be opposed but should be eradicated.
“Just like dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or coronavirus need to be eradicated, we have to eradicate Sanatana,” he had said, leading to widespread outrage.
Senior Counsel P Wilson, who appeared for Stalin on Friday, told the Court that the petitioners have not produced any proof to back their claims.
He said that the prayer for quo warranto is maintainable only if the petitioner proves that there was violation with regard to appointment to the public office or any disqualification under the Constitution or laws. In this case, no such disqualification is attracted. Holding a political view point cannot be a disqualification, he argued.
Following this, the Court asked the petitioners to submit necessary documents.
The High Court will hear the matter further on October 11.
A plea is already pending before the Supreme Court seeking registration of a first information report (FIR) against him over his remarks.
A Jammu and Kashmir court had also recently ordered an enquiry into a complaint by a lawyer seeking registration of FIR against Stalin.