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Last Updated: November 18, 2024, 15:47 IST
Javed Akhtar Cleared of Defamation Charges After Complainant Withdraws Case
Renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar has been acquitted in a defamation case linked to his comments regarding the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This development follows the complainant’s decision to withdraw the charges after reaching an amicable resolution through mediation.
The case was formally dismissed by S.D. Chakkar, the judicial magistrate (first class) of Mulund, on November 8, with the details of the order being released on November 18.
The controversy originated in October 2021, when advocate Santosh Dubey, identifying himself as an RSS supporter, filed the complaint. Dubey accused Akhtar of deliberately attempting to damage the reputation of the organization through statements made during a television interview.
In the contentious interview, Akhtar compared Hindu extremists to the Taliban, referencing the context of the latter’s resurgence in Afghanistan. His remarks ignited significant backlash from some factions, leading Dubey to argue that Akhtar had inappropriately involved the RSS in his commentary.
Dubey’s complaint invoked Indian Penal Code sections 499 (defamation) and 500 (punishment for defamation), alleging that Akhtar’s comments were made with malicious intent.
However, the situation shifted when Dubey submitted a petition to the magistrate expressing his desire to withdraw the charges. He stated that the parties had mutually settled the issue through mediation.
During the court proceedings, Dubey remarked, “The matter is settled between the parties in mediation. Therefore, I do not want to prosecute the accused.”
This led to the court acquitting Akhtar and officially closing the case due to the withdrawal of charges.
(With inputs from PTI)
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