The narrative was further bolstered by figures like Dr. Shoaib Jamai of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).

Reacting strongly, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari condemned the incident and raised serious questions about the direction the state was heading in.

The matter was brought to public attention by Insight UK, a social movement that represents the British Hindu and Indian community.

During the hearing, the Court also referenced a previous High Court order from March 2024, which had already categorized the DMK leader’s remarks as hate speech.

The Vice-Chancellor later stated, “Professor Halder applied for leave for personal reasons. The leave application has been accepted,” attempting to present the move as voluntary.

During her address, speaker Archana Singh Bouddh made indecent and derogatory remarks about the eight hands of Maa Durga.

Justice GR Swaminathan, while allowing the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam atop the Deepathoon, had clearly observed that the Deepathoon was not situated in an area belonging to the Muslim community.

By tying criminal liability to something as subjective as “emotional or psychological injury”, the government creates a tool built for selective enforcement.

A liberal commentator also questioned whether the Republic of India, established on 26-01-1950, had been replaced by a new one.

Her response came at a time when the Hindu festival of lights was already under attack online.