Hindu group seeks R100,000 and apology from pastor over alleged hate speech

Pastor Mervin Naidu

The South African Hindu Maha Sabha is seeking an apology, reconciliation measures, and financial reparations over comments allegedly made by Pastor Mervin Naidu.

According to the POST, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) has lodged a complaint at the Equality Court in Chatsworth against Pastor Mervin Naidu, alleging that comments made in a video circulating on social media amounted to hate speech.

The organisation is seeking an unconditional apology from Naidu, his attendance at a reconciliation workshop, and a R100,000 payment to a Hindu religious or welfare organisation if ordered by the court.

SAHMS legal team chairperson and attorney Simi Sharma told the POST the organisation was seeking relief after what it described as offensive remarks directed at the Hindu community.