In a recent development, film actor and critic Kamaal R Khan, popularly known as KRK, has moved the Bombay High Court, seeking to quash a defamation case lodged against him. The case was initiated over his controversial tweets on the Bollywood film ‘Laxmii’, starring Akshay Kumar, back in 2020.
The FIR against Khan was filed by Rahul Kanal, a member of the Shiv Sena, under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 153A (promoting enmity between groups), 294 (obscenity), 500, 501 (defamation), and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief). Khan’s comments on the film were alleged to have been published with an intention to cause animosity between Hindus and Muslims, potentially leading to clashes between the groups.
In his petition to the high court, Khan argued that the FIR was “an abuse of the process of law in all respects.” He further suggested that the FIR was possibly filed “only because Khan has contested election against the candidate of the said political party.” Khan asserted that the FIR did not disclose any offence committed by him and, therefore, should be quashed.
Khan’s legal representatives, Advocates Ashok Saraogi and Akash Singh, argued that;
“criticism of a film with opinion can never be an offence.”
In addition to seeking the quashing of the FIR, Khan also requested a stay on any further steps that may be taken in furtherance of the FIR, including the filing of a chargesheet.
The high court has sought a reply to Khan’s petition and has scheduled the matter for hearing on September 5.
This case follows a series of controversial tweets by Khan against deceased actors Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. The actor-critic’s actions have been under scrutiny, leading to this ongoing legal battle.
Stay tuned for more updates on this case as it unfolds.