Thane : A Magistrate’s Court of Thane has issued show-cause notice against writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar. Notice was issued on him for defaming Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by comparing them with Taliban.
Earlier, this month during a media interaction Javed Akhtar had said, “There is an uncanny resemblance between Taliban and those who want a Hindu Rashtra.” He had also commented, “Just like the Taliban want an Islamic State, there are those who want a Hindu rashtra. These people are of the same mindset be it Muslim, Christian, Jews or Hindus.”
Soon after this Akthar’s interaction, Shiv Sena through Saamna had said that it was completely wrong to compare the two.
RSS Activists Vivek Champanerkar, had filed a suit against Javed Akhtar. He demands a compensation of ₹1 for defaming RSS in the eyes of common people. His suit said, “Mr. Akhtar statements were well-planned and calculated and were made to defame the RSS and discourage, disparage and misguide the people who have joined the RSS.”
Earlier Javed Akthar had already triggered a controversy by saying “right wing all over the world has an uncanny similarity,” in a news channel. “The Taliban want an Islamic country. These people want to make a Hindu Rashtra,” the former Member of Parliament said without naming the Nagpur-headquartered Hindutva organization.
Advocate Aditya Mishra, who appeared for the complainant, argued in court and claimed that Akhtar had made a “derogatory” statement against RSS in media. “The defendant’s remarks drawing a parallel between barbaric Taliban and organizations working for the Hindu cause were aimed at vilifying such outfits,” he stated.
Mishra also said that the defendant uttered unfounded, false and baseless allegations against the organization of plaintiff in the said show.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate issued the show-cause notice to Akhtar on Monday and has adjourned the matter till November 12.
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