The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Action commendable: Karunanidhi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 13, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Action commendable: Karunanidhi

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, NOV. 12. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president, M. Karunanidhi, today described the arrest of Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, Kanchi Sankaracharya, in a murder case as an "honest and commendable action." He hoped that the law would be allowed to take its course without interference.

Addressing a press conference here, he said though it could not be denied that the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Government had "close links with the Sankara Mutt," its head was arrested.

A fast, planned by the DMK and its allies at Kancheepuram for tomorrow demanding the arrest of the Sankaracharya, was not necessary, thanks to the police action, he said.

Mr. Karunanidhi said the arrest episode reminded him of the saying, "if a virtuous woman commits a sin she can cleanse herself by having a dip in the Ganges but where will she go seeking atonement if the holy river itself is polluted?"

`Create awareness'

He said laws should be enacted to curb fake godmen mushrooming. Those who introduced such laws must have a progressive outlook and a commitment to rid society of superstition. Awareness should be created among the people to end frauds committed in the name of god, religion and spirituality.

The heads of mutts should not misuse religious symbols to cover up their wrongdoings, he said.

Asked why there was "delay" in taking action against the Sankaracharya, though the murder of the manager of the Varadarajaswamy temple at Kancheepuram was committed on September 3, Mr. Karunanidhi said it might have taken time for completing the investigation.

About reports attributing the arrest to the DMK's announcement of an agitation, he said everybody was aware that his party and its allies had supported the demand for the arrest of the real culprits.

"We wish that the trial is conducted in a fair manner without any interference. Let us wait and see how things take their course" was his reply to a question on apprehensions raised, considering the Sankaracharya's "political influence."

On reports of persons holding high offices visiting the Mutt to show their proximity to the Sankaracharya, Mr. Karunanidhi said it was unfair that constitutional functionaries such as the President were made to stand before religious heads.

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