Recently, the Madras High Court quashed an FIR filed against journalist Abhijit Majumder by the Tamil Nadu police. The FIR stemmed from derogatory comments made about Periyar in an opinion article authored by Majumder, which criticized Tamil Nadu Youth Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's statement regarding Sanatana Dharma.

Justice Anand Venkatesh observed that the journalist had removed the contentious remarks directed at Periyar and had subsequently republished the revised article. The court further observed that the individual who had initially filed the complaint had also acknowledged Majumder's commitment, and there would be no benefit in prolonging the case.

In his opinion piece, Majumder had called Periyar “an intellectual thug who did not just marry his own adopted daughter 40 years younger, but reportedly incited local goons to sexually harass his wife to stop her from visiting a temple.”

In January of this year, the court had expressed strong disapproval towards such remarks, emphasizing that there was a lack of decency in expressing both news and opinions in such a manner. It deemed such comments unfair, highlighting Periyar's significant stature in society and warning that publishing such remarks could potentially incite violence.

The court also emphasized that while individuals have the right to express their opinions and hold different ideologies, it is unacceptable to make personal allegations against others. It noted the prevalence of a disturbing trend where personal attacks are rampant, leading to verbal violence in society.

Case Title: Abhijit Majumder v Inspector of Police and Another

Case No: Crl OP 24668 of 2023