Udhayanidhi Stalin Appears Before Bengaluru Court in Sanatana Dharma Remark Case; Granted Bail
Tamil Nadu Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Udhayanidhi Stalin, appeared before the Special Court for People’s Representatives in Bengaluru on June 26, 2025. He was granted interim bail upon furnishing a ₹1 lakh surety in a criminal case filed against him over controversial remarks made last year regarding Sanatana Dharma.
The case stems from Udhayanidhi’s remarks during the ‘Sanatana Abolition Conference’ held in Chennai on September 2, 2024, where he stated that “Sanatana Dharma should be eradicated like dengue and malaria.” The comments sparked a massive outcry across India, especially from Hindu organizations and right-wing groups, which condemned the statement as an attack on Hindu traditions.
Widespread Backlash and Legal Action
Following Udhayanidhi’s statement, multiple FIRs were filed against him in several states, including Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Right-wing outfits and religious groups alleged that his remarks were blasphemous and insulting to Hindu beliefs, calling for criminal action.
In one such case, Bengaluru-based social activist Paramesh filed a complaint in the Special Court for MPs and MLAs, seeking criminal proceedings against Udhayanidhi Stalin and others who organized the Sanatana Abolition Conference. The complaint also named conference organizers Venkatesh, Aadhavan, and Madhukur Ramalingam as co-accused.
The complainant alleged that the event was inciting communal disharmony and hurting religious sentiments by promoting hatred against Sanatana Dharma, a concept central to Hindu philosophy.
Summons Issued and High Court Stay
In February 2025, the Special Court issued summons to all four individuals, directing them to appear before the court on June 3, 2025. However, before that date, Udhayanidhi and the other accused filed petitions in the Karnataka High Court, seeking a stay on criminal proceedings.
Hearing their plea, Justice Krishna Dixit of the Karnataka High Court issued an interim stay, temporarily halting further proceedings until the matter was reviewed.
Despite this, the Special Court proceeded with hearings, and Udhayanidhi Stalin eventually appeared in person on June 26.
Appearance Before Court and Bail Plea
Udhayanidhi arrived at the Special Court for People’s Representatives in Bengaluru, where the case was heard by Judge Sivakumar. Appearing on his behalf were senior advocates Balaji Singh, Wilson, and Dharmapal, while co-accused Manudharar had separate legal representation.
Udhayanidhi’s counsel filed two petitions:
- Permanent exemption from appearing in person during court proceedings.
- A bail application citing political responsibilities and multiple cases pending across the country.
Advocate Wilson, representing Udhayanidhi, argued:
“Udhayanidhi Stalin is the sitting Minister of a state and has already appeared in person today. He is facing multiple cases across different states for the same remarks. Therefore, we seek permanent exemption from personal appearance. The Supreme Court has already granted such relief in similar cases.”
Court Grants Bail, Reserves Decision on Exemption
After hearing the arguments, Judge Sivakumar noted that the request for permanent exemption could not be immediately granted without verifying Supreme Court directives. He postponed the case to August 8, 2025, instructing the defense to submit the official Supreme Court order granting exemption.
The judge stated:
“The matter is adjourned to August 8. Submit a copy of the Supreme Court’s exemption order. Only then can the request for permanent exemption be considered. In the meantime, the accused may be released on bail upon furnishing a surety of ₹1 lakh.”
Following the court’s direction, Udhayanidhi deposited the required amount and was granted interim bail. He later left for Chennai the same day.
Backdrop of the Sanatana Dharma Controversy
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments at the Chennai conference last year ignited a nationwide political and cultural storm. His call to “eradicate Sanatana Dharma like malaria or dengue” was interpreted by many as a direct attack on Hinduism. However, Udhayanidhi later clarified that he was referring to caste-based oppression and inequality perpetuated in the name of religion, and not Hinduism as a whole.
Despite the clarification, the damage was done. Protests erupted in several states. Right-wing leaders demanded his resignation, and multiple criminal complaints under sections related to hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity were filed.
Leaders from the BJP and VHP called for immediate action, while Udhayanidhi’s party, the DMK, defended him, saying the speech was misinterpreted and was part of their long-standing Dravidian social justice ideology.
Legal and Political Implications
This case has broader implications, both politically and constitutionally. It raises critical questions on:
- Freedom of Speech vs. Religious Sentiment
- The scope of hate speech laws in India
- The responsibility of elected representatives when expressing ideological views
- The role of religion in public policy debates
For Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, and seen as a rising political heir in Tamil Nadu politics, this issue marks a significant challenge in his career. It not only places him in the national spotlight but also pits him directly against pan-India religious sentiments, a politically sensitive territory.
Conclusion
Udhayanidhi’s appearance in a Bengaluru court and the granting of bail may be a small procedural step, but it signals the intensifying legal scrutiny of political speech in India. The August 8 hearing will be crucial to determine whether he will be exempted from future appearances, and how the judiciary interprets his remarks within the framework of Indian constitutional law.
This episode continues to highlight the polarizing nature of religion and politics in India and the fragile balance between free expression and religious respect.
