Rahul Gandhi Faces Legal Action in Bihar Over Remarks in Parliament on Hindus
Complaint Filed by Hindu Outfit Leader; Sections 299, 302, and 356(1) of Newly-Notified BNS Applied; Next Hearing on July 15
A legal complaint has been lodged against Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, on July 2 in Bihar. The complaint, filed by Divyanshu Kishore, a leader of a Hindu outfit, alleges that Gandhi’s recent remarks in Parliament were offensive to Hindus. The case has been brought before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court of Muzaffarpur.
‘Will Spread Hatred’
The court has accepted the complaint and scheduled the next hearing for July 15. Kishore’s complaint accuses Gandhi of intentionally making statements in Lok Sabha that hurt the sentiments of Hindus. It further alleges that Gandhi’s remarks were made with the intent to incite hatred within society.
“A case has been filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Yesterday in the Lok Sabha, he made statements about Hindus, which my client Divyanshu Kishore found offensive. Sections 299, 302, and 356(1) under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) of 2023 have been imposed. The court has accepted the complaint,” said Sumit Kumar, the complainant’s advocate.
Legal Implications
- Section 299 of BNS addresses deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting a religion or its beliefs.
- Section 302 deals with uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings.
- Section 356(1) pertains to defamation.
Context of the Remarks
On July 1, during the Motion of Thanks in the 18th Lok Sabha, Gandhi criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly spreading violence and hate. In his speech, he stated, “Those who call themselves Hindus indulge in hate and violence round the clock.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interrupted Gandhi, emphasizing the gravity of the issue and stating, “To call the entire Hindu community violent is serious.