“I will keep ‘Sanatan Dharma’ in my heart during service”: Controversy over Madras High Court Judge G.R. Swaminathan’s remark

Madras High Court Judge Justice G.R. Swaminathan has said that during his remaining four and a half years in office, he will perform his judicial duties “keeping Sanatan Dharma in his heart.” The statement has sparked social and political controversy.

Speaking at an event organized by the Dara Foundation in Chennai on Saturday, Justice Swaminathan said that professional knowledge alone is not sufficient; moral values and a spirit of service are equally important. He noted that the honorees at the ceremony clearly exhibited dedication and humility.

Justice Swaminathan stated, “I hope I have four more and a half years of service. In these four and a half years, I aim to demonstrate excellence and keep Sanatan Dharma in my heart.”

However, his remarks have drawn sharp reactions from political parties and social organizations. Opposition parties argued that, according to the Constitution, the judiciary must remain secular, and no religious ideology should guide its functioning. Some leaders described the statement as contrary to the Constitution and judicial impartiality.

It is worth noting that Justice Swaminathan has been involved in controversies before. Opposition parties had previously attempted to bring impeachment proceedings against him, alleging that he had favored communal interests in certain cases.

Following his latest statement, debate has resurfaced over whether it is appropriate for a constitutional post-holder to use religious references in public speeches, especially when the Indian Constitution explicitly upholds secularism. The issue has now elicited reactions from political, social, and legal circles alike.