Thoroughly Misconceived- Supreme Court Dismisses Petition By Christian Activist Seeking Abolition Of 'Varashrama' Principles

The Supreme Court has dismissed the Petition filed by Dr. M. Deivanayagam, a Christian activist from Tamil Nadu seeking abolition of the practice of Manu Laws and principles of Varashrama.

The Bench of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli termed the petition as 'thoroughly misconceived'. "The petition is thoroughly misconceived. The petition shall stand dismissed.", the Bench said in its order. The Court quoted the prayers of Deivanayagam in its order while dismissing the petition. 

Deivanayagam appeared in person and argued his petition of the year 2020. 

Deivanayagam had filed the petition, invoking the jurisdiction under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeking abolition of the practice of principles of Laws of Manu / Principles of Varashrama on the ground that it led to discrimination and diversification of the people of India on the basis of religion, caste, language, sect etc.

The Petitioner also sought directions to the Union of India to form a Committee to investigate and identify the practice of law of Manu which, according to him are prevalent in various forms across India and sought to declare them as unconstitutional.

In 2019, the Madras High Court had dismissed Deivanayagam's petition seeking the removal of the atheistic inscriptions below the statues of Thanthai Periyar in Tamil Nadu.   

Deivanayagam has authored a book titled "Hindu Religion is the Offshoot of St. Thomas Dravidian Christianity" and has made controversial remarks in past, including that Thiruvalluvar is a baptized Christian of the Church created by St.Thomas.

Cause Title- Dr.M.Deivanayagam v. Union Of India & Ors.

Click here to read/download the Order