A criminal defamation case was filed against renowned lyricist, Javed Akhtar by Dhrutiman Joshi a Mumbai based lawyer. The remark came when during a particular show talking about the condition of Afghanistan, Javed Akhtar drew a parallel between two organisations i.e. the Taliban and RSS. According to the lawyer, comparing such organisations is a prima facie criminal defamation punishable under Section 499 and Section 500 of IPC.
Dhrutiman Joshi stated that “statements made by the accused are strategic, thought and calculated defamatory statements to defame RSS and discourage, disparage and misguide the people that have joined RSS or who would like to hitch the RSS and belittle the RSS within the eyes of the common public. “There was a well-planned motive of the accused to defame RSS.”
The lawyer alleged that Javed Akhtar despite knowing that so many incumbent people are supporters of RSS, has expressed his views which were not backed by any evidence.
“Akhtar expressed his views with no proof and even after knowing that the very best democratically elected office bearers of the country just like the incumbent President, vice chairman, Prime Minister, and several Cabinet Ministers and many incumbents and Ex-Chief Ministers and their council of ministers in India have been supporters and members of RSS,” the complaint stated.
He further alleged that being a “grassroots worker of RSS” he felt being defamed and humiliated. This is an act of defamation in the eyes of the common people.
“Accused has desperately did not prove that even one member or supporter of RSS has acted like Taliban and brought over a State or country undemocratically and if he has spotted a gun-toting RSS supporter,” Joshi complained
The complaint is going to be heard by the Metropolitan Magistrate on October 30, 2021
He further stated to express hatred against RSS and its supporters he made such a statement. Joshi urged for investigation under Section 499 and 500 of IPC.
