The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned to 2026 the plea filed by Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, seeking consolidation of multiple FIRs and complaints lodged across the country over his controversial 2023 remarks on Sanatan Dharma.
The petition was heard by a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta.
Arguments Before The Court
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Stalin, argued that several FIRs had been filed in different states, creating an undue burden. He cited earlier instances where the apex court consolidated similar cases involving Arnab Goswami, Nupur Sharma, and Mohammad Zubair, and urged that Stalin’s case be treated similarly.
Justice Nath, however, remarked: “This court has done many things in the past. It does not mean we must do the same here.” When Rohatgi suggested the matter be listed in 2026, the bench agreed.
Interim Relief Already In Place
Earlier on March 6, the Supreme Court had barred registration of any fresh FIRs against Stalin without its permission. It had also extended his exemption from personal appearance in pending proceedings, observing that multiple complaints cannot be filed on a single issue.
Stalin’s counsel informed the bench that FIRs were pending in Patna, Jammu, Bengaluru, and Maharashtra, and sought their transfer to Tamil Nadu, the state where the remarks were made.
The Controversial Remarks
At a conference in September 2023, Stalin had described Sanatan Dharma as being against social justice and equality, comparing it to diseases such as coronavirus, malaria, and dengue, and said it must be “eradicated.” His statement triggered widespread criticism and a series of police complaints across states.
With the matter now posted for 2026, the interim protection granted by the Supreme Court remains Stalin’s key safeguard against multiple legal proceedings across states.
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