Udhaya's comment on Sanatana Dharma politicised: Retd judge

MADURAI: Youth welfare and sports development minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's comments on Sanatana Dharma have been politicised because of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, said retired Madras high court judge Justice D Hariparanthaman.
Speaking at a press meet organised by advocates in support of Udhayanidhi here on Saturday evening, Justice Hariparanthaman said though several people who participated in the Chennai meeting had criticized Sanatana Dharma, Udhayanidhi's comment alone was targeted since he is the chief minister's son.
Referring to the Nanguneri and Vengaivayal incidents, Hariparanthaman said people are discriminated against in the name of caste. Udhayanidhi's remarks on eradicating Sanatana Dharma have been misinterpreted since it only meant eradication of the caste system and varnashrama. He said several leaders including Periyar and B R Ambedkar have criticized Sanatana Dharma, the latter strongly. "Can a case be registered against those leaders posthumously," he asked. He said Udhayanidhi's remarks cannot be construed as hate speech. While people have the right to speak in support of Sanatana Dharma, they also have the right to speak against it.
He said he hopes that the Supreme Court would take the right decision on the plea seeking action against Udhayanidhi for his remarks. Advocates S Vanchinathan and John Vincent were among others present at the press meet.