On Friday(7th June),The High Court of Karnataka has issued notices to Bengaluru’s High Grounds police and Ramesh Babu of KPCC following a petition by BJP’s J.P. Nadda and Amit Malviya. The notices come amidst their legal challenge against an FIR filed on May 5, 2024, related to a controversial post on Twitter.
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Bengaluru: On Friday(7th June), The High Court of Karnataka has issued notices to the High Grounds police in Bengaluru and Ramesh Babu, an office-bearer of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). This action follows a petition filed by the BJP’s national president J.P. Nadda and its IT cell chief Amit Malviya.
According to Justice Krishna S. Dixit, who is presiding over the case, the notices were ordered to the respondents, and the hearing was adjourned for further proceedings. Nadda and Malviya have mounted a legal challenge against the FIR registered against them on May 5, 2024, concerning a contentious post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The post in question, shared on April 4, 2024, contained an animated video that portrays the Congress party as allegedly “favoring” Muslims in reservations, potentially at the expense of SCs, STs, and OBCs. The animated depiction features three birds symbolizing SCs, STs, and OBCs, being consumed by a fourth bird representing Muslims, sparking controversy and legal ramifications.
Addressing the court, Nadda and Malviya expressed their stance, stating-
“We uphold the value of freedom of expression and support the shared content. Our aim was to bring attention to concerns regarding reservation policies, not to provoke discord.”
The FIR has stirred political tensions, with both parties vehemently defending their positions.
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Ramesh Babu, representing the KPCC, emphasized-
“The shared content is both defamatory and stirs communal tensions. We demand justice for this harmful portrayal.”
In response to the legal notice, the High Grounds police assured cooperation with the court’s directives.
“Our dedication lies in upholding the law and offering full cooperation in this legal procedure.”
– stated a police spokesperson.
Legal experts anticipate a protracted legal battle, considering the sensitive nature of the case and its potential implications on freedom of expression and political discourse.
“The verdict of the court will establish a precedent for the limits of free speech in the era of digital communication.”
-remarked legal analyst Dr. Sangeeta Rao.
The case has reignited debates on social media regulations and the responsibilities of digital platforms in curbing misinformation and hate speech.
“Maintaining a balance between freedom of expression and curbing the dissemination of divisive material is crucial.”
– emphasized social media commentator Priya Patel.
In response to a complaint by Ramesh Babu, the High Grounds police recently booked BJP leaders under IPC Section 505 (2) and Section 125 of the Representation of People’s Act. The leaders, including J.P. Nadda and Amit Malviya, have raised objections, asserting they were “falsely implicated” due to their roles in the party. Nadda and Malviya stressed that their positions in the BJP do not equate to direct involvement in all social media posts across states.
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The leaders also pointed out the filing of another FIR by Bengaluru’s Malleswaram police in the same case, arguing it contravenes Supreme Court guidelines prohibiting multiple FIRs for a single cause of action. They maintain that these FIRs are politically motivated and unjust.
In their challenge before the Karnataka High Court, Nadda and Malviya seek relief from what they perceive as unwarranted legal action.
