• Source:JND
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Tamil Nadu Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Udhayanidhi Stalin was granted conditional bail on Tuesday with a surety of Rs 1 lakh by the Special Court of Magistrate for trial of cases against present and former MPs/MLAs. He had appeared before the court on Tuesday morning.

Udhayanidhi Stalin was asked to appear before the court following a complaint filed by social activist V Paramesha in connection with derogatory remarks on Sanatana Dharma.

While hearing the case, the court also exempted Udhayanidhi Stalin from further proceedings in the matter. The Special Court adjourned the case until August 8 since the Supreme Court is also looking into the matter.

According to the complainant, the statement by Udhyanidhi has defamed him, his religion and people belonging to Hindu faith.The court had taken cognisance of offences under IPC Sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation, with intent to cause riot) 298 (uttering words etc with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings) and 500 (defamation).

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Earlier, the apex court frowned upon Stalin over his remarks calling for the eradication of 'Sanatana Dharma' and told him that he is "not a layman but a minister" and he should know the consequences of his remarks.

"You abuse your rights under freedom of speech and expression and right to freedom of religion and then come to the Supreme Court for protection under Article 32? Do you not know the consequences of what you said?," the bench had asked Stalin's counsel.

Stalin approached the apex court seeking clubbing of multiple FIRs registered against him in several states over his remarks.

DMK leader Stalin made remarks comparing 'Sanatana Dharma' to diseases like 'malaria' and 'dengue' while advocating for its elimination on the grounds that it was rooted in the caste system and historical discrimination.

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His remarks triggered a massive political controversy across the country. It led to several criminal complaints being filed against him.

(With inputs from agencies)