Why Mumbai Court acquitted Javed Akhtar in RSS defamation case

A Mumbai court has acquitted veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar in a defamation case filed against him over his remarks linking the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to Hindu extremism [Santhosh Dubey v Javed Akhtar]

The complainant, advocate Santosh Dubey, who accused Akhtar of defaming the RSS, withdrew the case after settling the issue with the lyricist via mediation.

The Court then chose to close the case and acquit Akhtar.

In an order passed on November 8, Judicial Magistrate (First Class) at Mulund, SD Chakkar, recorded the withdrawal of the complaint filed by Dubey in October 2021.

"Complaint is disposed of as withdrawn. Accused Javed Akhthar is acquitted for an offence punishable under section 499, read with 500 of Indian Penal Code. Accordingly matter is disposed of," the Court said.

The complainant had alleged that Akhtar, in a television interview, had drawn parallels between the RSS and the Taliban in the wake of the radical group's takeover of Afghanistan.

Dubey, an RSS supporter, had invoked Sections 499 (defamation) and 500 (punishment for defamation) of the Indian Penal Code against Akhtar.

The complaint had accused the lyricist of making “calculated and well-planned” remarks that defamed RSS.

However, in a significant development, Dubey informed the court that the "matter is settled between the parties in mediation," and as a result, he no longer wished to pursue the defamation charges.

Taking note of the withdrawal, Magistrate Chakkar acquitted Akhtar and disposed of the case.

[Read Order]