Mumbai: Javed Akhtar Acquitted In Defamation Case For Comparing RSS To Taliban

On Monday (18 November), Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar received a major relief from the Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Girgaon, in a defamation case filed against him for his remarks about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during a 2021 television interview.

The case, filed in October 2022, alleged that Akhtar’s comments comparing the RSS and affiliated organizations to the Taliban were defamatory and intended to score political points.

The relief came after the complainant, advocate Santosh Dubey, withdrew the case, stating that the matter had been resolved amicably. Dubey, who identified himself as a member of the RSS, accused the 76-year-old lyricist of tarnishing the organisation's image in a "calculated and well-planned move."

The charges were framed under Sections 499 (defamation) and 500 (punishment for defamation) of the Indian Penal Code. Akhtar’s remarks during the interview had drawn strong reactions, with Dubey highlighting a specific statement in which Akhtar allegedly said:

"I think those who support organisations like RSS, Vishva Hindu Parishad, and Bajrang Dal need to do some introspection. Of course, Talibanis are reprehensible, they are barbarians, no doubt about it. However, the people whom you are supporting, how are they different from them? They have the same mindset."

Dubey claimed these comments defamed the RSS by equating it with the Taliban and sought Akhtar's prosecution. During the legal proceedings, however, Dubey decided to withdraw the complaint, citing an amicable settlement of the dispute.

He moved an application before the court to officially withdraw the case. The court, accepting the application, observed that the complainant no longer wished to pursue the charges and thus disposed of the matter.

Dubey initially contended that Akhtar’s comments were aimed at maligning the RSS and its supporters. The magistrate court had issued summons to Akhtar in December 2022, and the case had remained pending since then.