Equality Court: SAHMS seeks apology and R100,000 financial reparation for hate speech

Pastor Mervin Naidu

THE South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) lodged a complaint against Pastor Mervin Naidu in the Equality Court, in Chatsworth, seeking an apology and financial reparations for hate speech.

Attorney Simi Sharma and chairperson of the Sabha’s legal team, said they were seeking an unequivocal apology for Naidu to attend a reconciliatory workshop organised by the SAHMS and a payment of R100,000 to a Hindu religious or welfare organisation ordered by the court.

In the complaint filed in court, it was reported that an "offensive" video of Naidu (the respondent) was circulating of various social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook and TikTok.

A transcript of the video was attached.