Defamation case: Court summons Mallikarjun Kharge over Bajrang Dal remarks
A Sangrur court in Punjab on Monday reportedly summoned Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge in a Rs. 100 crore defamation case filed against him. The case was filed by the founder of the Hindu Suraksha Parishad, Hitesh Bhardwaj, against Kharge for allegedly making defamatory remarks against the right-wing organization Bajrang Dal during the election campaign of the recently concluded Karnataka Assembly elections.
Why does this story matter?
The defamation summons may complicate matters for the Congress chief as he prepares to choose the Karnataka CM. Parleys among the top leadership are underway to finalize the next plan of action and the Karnataka cabinet. Before the May 10 Karnataka elections—in which the Congress defeated the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—the Congress promised a ban on the Bajrang Dal but backtracked after backlash.
Congress pledged to ban Bajrang Dal in Karnataka manifesto
The Sangrur Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division), Ramandeep Kaur, summoned Kharge to appear on July 10. The petitioner Bhardwaj said the Congress compared the Bajrang Dal to anti-national organizations and even pledged to ban the organization in its Karnataka election manifesto. He approached the court to file a defamation suit against Kharge and demand compensation for the alleged damage caused by his statements.
Congress manifesto promised ban on Bajrang Dal
On May 2, the Congress unveiled its poll manifesto for the Karnataka Assembly elections. It had promised a ban on organizations allegedly spreading hatred, such as the Bajrang Dal and the banned Islamic outfit Popular Front of India (PFI). The manifesto was released by Kharge, Karnataka's former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress state unit president DK Shivakumar, and the manifesto committee's head G Parameshwara.
What exactly did Congress say?
The Congress manifesto stated, "The Congress...is committed to taking firm and decisive action against individuals and organizations spreading hatred amongst communities on grounds of caste or religion." Mentioning Bajrang Dal and the PFI, it said it would take "decisive action" according to the law and impose a ban on such entities. However, the Congress clarified it wouldn't ban the Bajrang Dal after massive criticism.
Legal notice sent to Congress president last week
Last week, a legal notice for alleged defamation of the Bajrang Dal by the Congress was sent to Kharge. It also claimed Rs. 100 crore in damages for defaming the right-wing group and hurting the sentiments of Hindus globally, per Hindustan Times.
