Commenting that the caste structure is “less than a century old,” the Madras High Court has modified its ruling

Last Updated on March 9, 2024 by News Desk

Issue:

The Madras High Court has sparked discussions over judicial observations and their effects on social narratives and historical contexts by revising controversial statements made in its ruling rejecting a suit against the State Minister for his comments on Sanatana Dharma.

Facts of the Case:

On March 6, the single-judge’s judgment—which included controversial comments on the caste system’s historical roots—was first uploaded. According to the statement, the caste system is not more than a century old as it is now. The classification of castes as we know it now is a significantly more recent and modern occurrence, according to a revised version of the ruling that was released later.

State minister, MP, and minister of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) were named in the lawsuit. This came after three writ petitions against Stalin and a great deal of controversy following his 2023 conference speech in which he advocated for the annihilation of Sanatana Dharma.

Arguments Presented by Parties:

The Hindu Munnani contended that Stalin should be removed from power for his polarizing comments on Sanatana Dharma. They said that such remarks amounted to disseminating false information and violated fundamental constitutional norms. The High Court condemned Stalin’s remarks as polarizing and against constitutional norms, but it did not compel Stalin’s dismissal.

Judgement Delivered by Court:

Justice acknowledged the continuation of caste-based injustices even as she rejected the call for Stalin’s overthrow. She called Stalin’s comments on Sanatana Dharma disruptive and against constitutional values. The court’s rewording of its previous remarks about the caste system’s historical roots to emphasize the caste system’s modernity indicates a sophisticated awareness of historical intricacies. The ruling emphasizes how those in positions of constitutional authority have a duty to protect these ideals and abstain from making unsubstantiated statements that might spread false information.

Case title : Kishore Kumar v. PK Sekhar Babu and connected petitions

Written By: Nikita Shankar @nikitaashankar