New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered that no fresh FIRs should be filed against Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister M Udhayanidhi Stalin for his "eradicate Sanatana Dharma" remarks.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar also extended the operation of an interim order granting Stalin protection against coercive actions in the cases registered against him in connection with his remarks.

Speaking at a conference in September 2023, the DMK leader said 'Sanatana Dharma' is against social justice and equality and should be "eradicated". Likening 'Sanatana Dharma' to coronavirus, malaria and dengue, he said it should be destroyed.

Several FIRs have been registered in different parts of the country, including Maharashtra, Bihar, Jammu and Karnataka, against Stalin over his remarks. PTI