In a recent decision, the Madras High Court emphasized that no individual in the country has the right to organize gatherings aimed at eradicating any ideology. The court declined to grant permission for a conclave centered on the “eradication of Dravidian ideologies.”
The court also criticized the Tamil Nadu police for failing to take action against members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) who had delivered inflammatory speeches at a previous conclave focused on the “eradication of Sanatana Dharma.” This police inaction was described as a clear case of “dereliction of duty.”
Justice G Jayachandran highlighted that the coexistence of multiple ideologies is an integral part of India’s identity, and those in positions of power should refrain from promoting divisive ideas.
This observation came in the context of the court dismissing a petition filed by Magesh Karthikeyan, who had sought police permission to organize a meeting on “eradicating Dravidian ideologies” in Chennai.
The court stated, “No one can expect Courts to aid them to propagate ideas to create ill-will among the public. Some Members of the ruling party and ministers participated in the meeting held for eradicating ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ and no action has been taken by the Police against them, which is dereliction of duty on the part of the Police. Since the police failed to act against those who had uttered inflammatory speech to eradicate ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ now, permission to counter it by conducting a meeting to eradicate ‘Dravidian Ideology.’ If the request of the petitioner is acceded, it will cause further disturbance to the peace and tranquility of the public, who are already fed up by the way some of the fringe groups in support of persons who have taken an oath of office to preserve the Spirit of the Constitution act in breach of their Oath. This Court cannot perpetrate by permitting the petitioner to hold a conference to eradicate Dravidian Ideology.”
The judge emphasized that individuals in positions of power must act responsibly and avoid any actions that could divide people based on ideology, caste, or religion.
“This Court is of the view that persons in power should realize the danger of speech inflaming fissiparous tendencies and behave responsibly, refraining themselves from propagating views that will divide people in the name of Ideology, Caste, and Religion. Instead, they may concentrate on eradicating intoxicating drinks and drugs, which are injurious to health, corruption, untouchability, and other social evils,” the Court concluded.
Advocate BA Sujay Prasanna represented the petitioner, Magesh Karthikeyan, while Government Advocate S Udaya Kumar appeared for the respondent, the Tamil Nadu Police.
