Spiritual Speaker Mahavishnu Presented in Court Amid Chennai School Controversy

Spiritual Speaker Mahavishnu appeared before Saidapet Metropolitan Magistrate Court after being charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016. This follows a dispute over 'Spiritual Awakening Classes' conducted in a Chennai school, which led to the principal's transfer and a protest by youth organizations.

Spiritual Speaker Mahavishnu was brought before the Saidapet Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Wednesday. He faces charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016, following a complaint lodged against him.

This legal action comes in response to a controversy surrounding 'Spiritual Awakening Classes' held at a school in Chennai. The dispute earlier saw R Thamilarasi, principal of Ashok Nagar Girls Higher Secondary School, transferred to Government Higher Secondary School in Kovilpathagai, Thiruvallur district on September 6.

Cadres from the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and the Students' Federation of India (SFI) organized a protest against the spiritual sessions. S Mars, Chief Educational Officer of the School Education Department, met with the protesters and assured them that stringent measures would be taken. Chief Minister MK Stalin also addressed the issue, emphasizing the presence of scientific ideas in state textbooks and promising new guidelines for school programs.

In a statement on X, Chief Minister Stalin said, 'Our high-quality textbooks contain the best scientific ideas that students need to know. Teachers can develop critical thinking and confidence in students. The School Education Department will offer innovative training and social education.' He added, 'New guidelines will ensure that students in Tamil Nadu receive progressive-scientific education, promoting individual progress, ethical living, and social development. Over the past three years, we have consistently highlighted the importance of education and fostering scientific thought.'

(With inputs from agencies.)