SC bars fresh FIRs against Udhayanidhi Stalin over ‘eradicate Sanatan Dharma’ remark

The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that no fresh FIRs should be registered against Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for his remarks on 'Sanatan Dharma'.

A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar also extended an interim order that protects Stalin from coercive action in the existing cases against him.

Stalin, a leader from the DMK and son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, made the controversial statement in September 2023.


Speaking at a conference, he argued that 'Sanatan Dharma' opposes social justice and equality and should be "eradicated". He compared it to diseases like coronavirus, malaria, and dengue, saying it must be eliminated.

Following his statement, multiple FIRs were filed against him in various states, including Maharashtra, Bihar, Jammu, and Karnataka.