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Defamation case against Kamal Haasan for remarks on 'Hindu terror'

WION Web Team
New Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Nov 03, 2017, 01:38 PM IST
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Kamal Haasan's remarks were challenged by the BJP and the RSS. Photograph:(ANI)

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A defamation case was filed on Friday against actor Kamal Haasan for his remarks that terror had spread into the camp of right wing Hindu groups

A defamation case was filed on Friday against actor Kamal Haasan for his remarks that terror had spread into the camp of right wing Hindu groups.

The Hindu matter will be heard on Saturday, ANI reported.

The case has been filed against the Tamil icon under section 500, 511, 298, 295(a) and 505(c) of IPC for the remarks in his column in Ananda Vikatan, a Tamil weekly.

Kamal Haasan had written, "In the past, Hindu right-wing groups would not indulge in violence, but they would hold a dialogue with the opposite parties on their arguments. But this old tactic was defeated and what they stated to do is use muscle power. They started indulging in violence."

"The right wing cannot challenge talk of Hindu terrorists because terror has spread into their camp as well," wrote the Tamil film icon.

Kamal Haasan made the remarks in response to a question by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan about the attempts made by Hindutva forces to make inroads in Tamil Nadu.

The actor's remarks drew criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). 

BJP leader Vinay Katiyar said, "His mental state is unstable. He should be getting treated in a hospital. Politics of such defamatory nature is not okay. He doesn't have any proof."

BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao compared the actor to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed. 

Kamal Haasan has repeatedly hinted that he will soon take the political plunge and had said earlier this month that he would take advice from other politicians before deciding to join politics.

He has ruled out joining the BJP.

On September 1, the actor had met Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan over lunch at his official residence in Thiruvananthapuram. 

Asked by reporters if they had discussed politics, Kamal Haasan replied, "For sure". He had added that he was taking advice from the Kerala chief minister and dubbed his visit "political tourism".

Asked whether he would join the Left, he said, "My colour is obviously seen over the 40 years I have been working in cinema, definitely it's not saffron."

The Tamil megastar, who has taken on the ruling AIADMK government for alleged corruption, shared the stage with DMK leaders at a party event in August. Legendary Tamil actor Rajinikanth was also present at the event, sparking rumours that the two leaders were planning to take the plunge in politics.

In October, Kamal Haasan was invited to an event in which Rajinikanth was a speaker. Rajnikanth said when he asked Kamal Haasan how to be successful in politics, the actor replied: "Come along with me, then I will tell you."