Supreme Court Advocate Vineet Jindal on Monday filed a complaint with the Delhi Police against Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya, citing his comments about the Hindu religion.
Advocate Jindal asserted that Maurya’s statements were not only provocative and defamatory, but also aimed at fostering hostility between religious groups, thereby constituting a cognizable offence.
Earlier today, Swami Prasad on X (former Twitter) remarked, “The roots of Brahminism delve deep, and the very source of disparity lies within Brahminism itself. The term ‘Hindu’ holds no religious ground; it is merely a deceit. There exists no ‘Hindu’ religion.”
He went on to say, “There is a deliberate scheme to ensnare the Dalits, tribals, and marginalised populace of this nation by labelling the Brahmin faith as the ‘Hindu’ faith, when in reality, it is the Brahmin belief. If indeed there were a ‘Hindu’ faith, it would have commanded reverence for tribals, dalits, and marginalised communities. However, the irony is stark.”
In response to these remarks, Advocate Jindal lodged a complaint with the police, stating, “Our nation embraces secularism, upholding equality among all, irrespective of their caste, race, or religion. However, influential public figures bear the responsibility of influencing not just the current generation but also those to follow. Engaging in incendiary rhetoric, as Maurya has done, flagrantly disregards our nation’s secular fabric.”
“Maurya’s words take aim at the entire Hindu community, displaying a derogatory nature that fosters animosity among specific groups. The content of Maurya’s statement unmistakably reveals his intention to show disrespect toward the Hindu religion, thereby inciting resentment, insulting the faith, and sowing discord between various religious factions,” he added.
The advocate asked the Delhi Police to file a First Information Report (FIR) under Sections 153A and B, 295A, 298, and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
“The accused, by making the aforementioned statement, has committed offences under Sections 153A and B, 295A, 298, and 505 of the IPC, all of which are serious and cognizable offences. A screenshot of Maurya’s statement, shared on his Twitter account, has been attached herewith. Therefore, I urge you to initiate an FIR against him under the aforementioned sections. I also appeal for the lodging of an FIR against him and the initiation of strict legal action,” the complaint stated.
