Bengaluru Activist Alleges Violation of Penal Code Sections and the complaint is scheduled for hearing on May 28.
Team Clarion
BENGALURU — A private complaint has been lodged against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his hate speech targeting the Muslim community while addressing a rally in Rajasthan. Engineer and human rights activist Ziaurrahaman Nomani of Bengaluru initiated the complaint, which was filed with the registry of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court on May 23.
The complaint, which is scheduled for hearing on May 28, awaits deliberation by the 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court, designated as the special court for the trial of cases against sitting as well as former MPs/MLAs triable by magistrate. This court will determine whether the complaint establishes a prima facie case or not and proceed further.
In his filing, Nomani accused Prime Minister Modi of delivering derogatory remarks during a speech in Banswara, Rajasthan, on April 21.
He alleged that Modi’s remarks instigated discrimination against the Muslim community, portraying them as “intruding usurpers” who have seized the nation’s wealth for themselves. Nomani further asserted that Modi warned of dire consequences if the Congress party assumed power, suggesting that earnings of other communities would be redistributed to Muslims.
The complaint, registered under Sections 153A, 153B, 295A, 503, 504, and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code, reflects Nomani’s contention that Modi’s speech constitutes a violation of several legal statutes.
Nomani’s efforts to seek redress began with a complaint to the Amruthahalli police in Bengaluru, who advised him that the matter fell under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Undeterred, Nomani pursued the issue with the ECI and ultimately filed a private complaint, urging the court to acknowledge the alleged offence and initiate an investigation.
The initiation of this legal process underscores the ongoing debate surrounding political rhetoric and its potential consequences in a diverse and pluralistic society.
“Modi made a derogatory speech… instigating people to treat the community members as intruding usurpers who have taken away the wealth of this nation for themselves,” Nomani stated in his complaint, encapsulating the essence of his grievance.
