Madras High Court Quashes FIR Against BJP Leader, Labels Udhayanidhi Stalin's Remarks Hate Speech

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court quashed a 2023 FIR against BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya, who was accused of distorting Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks on Sanatana Dharma. The court ruled that Udhayanidhi's speech, which called for the 'eradication' of Sanatana Dharma and likened it to diseases, amounted to hate speech targeting Hindus. It held that Malviya's social media response was a lawful reaction and did not incite violence. The court also noted concerns that those initiating hate speech often face no legal action, while those reacting to it are prosecuted.