Legal Action Escalates: Shehzad Poonawala Lodges Police Complaint over Alleged Hate Speech
In a recent development that has added fuel to the political fire, Shehzad Poonawala, the BJP National Spokesperson, has served a criminal defamation notice to Priyanka Kakkar, the Chief National Spokesperson of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The notice was issued in response to alleged defamatory comments made by Priyanka Kakkar during a live TV debate on a national news channel.
Allegations and Accusations:
According to the notice issued by Shehzad Poonawala's lawyer, Namit Saxena, the AAP Chief National Spokesperson is accused of using extremely objectionable and hate-inciting words against Shehzad Poonawala and the Indian Muslim community during the said TV debate. The notice alleges that the defamatory statement has caused significant mental and emotional trauma to Shehzad Jai Hind and incited hatred towards him.
The lawyer's notice also references an earlier complaint filed with the National Minority Commission regarding constant hate speech by the AAP, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two political parties.
Shehzad Poonawala's Reputation and Career:
The notice emphasizes that Shehzad Poonawala is a law-abiding citizen of the country and holds the position of National Spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It describes him as an individual actively involved in social work, with an unblemished career and a reputation built on integrity and hard work. The notice claims that his years of dedication have earned him goodwill and considerable respect in society.
Defamation and the Legal Notice:
The lawyer's notice accuses Priyanka Kakkar of making defamatory comments that have directly or indirectly tarnished the moral and intellectual character of Shehzad Poonawala. The notice invokes section 499/500 of the Indian Penal Code, highlighting that the alleged defamatory imputations cannot be quantified in monetary terms and are beyond compensation.
Demands in the Notice:
The legal notice demands three primary actions from Priyanka Kakkar:
1. Withdrawal of Allegations: The immediate withdrawal of all the allegations and aspersions made against Shehzad Poonawala.
2. Public Apology: An unconditional public apology to Shehzad Poonawala's satisfaction through print, social, and electronic media with regard to the baseless allegations.
3. Refrain from Defamation: Immediate cessation of defaming, harassing, and spreading any uncalled rumors about Shehzad Poonawala and refraining from engaging in such activities in the future.
Response and Consequences:
The notice provides a seven-day deadline for Priyanka Kakkar to comply with the demands. Failure to do so, according to the notice, will result in appropriate legal action, including criminal proceedings under section 499/500 of the Indian Penal Code, at the expense and responsibility of the addressee.
Shehzad Poonawala has filed a police complaint in Noida against AAP Chief National Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar. The complaint urges for prompt action against alleged hate speech directed at Indian Muslims in general and Shehzad Poonawala in particular during a live TV debate. The police complaint reflects a firm stand against hate speech and incendiary remarks that could potentially fuel communal tensions. As the matter unfolds, all eyes are on the authorities' response to the serious allegations, with citizens calling for responsible communication among public figures in political discussions.
It remains to be seen how Priyanka Kakkar and the AAP respond to the notice and whether the matter escalates further in the legal and political realms. As the situation unfolds, it is likely to draw significant attention and scrutiny from various quarters.
