Court issues notices to K''taka ministers, Youth Cong leader over ''derogatory remarks'' on RSS

Bengaluru, Jan 6 (PTI) A special court here has ordered the issuance of notices to Karnataka ministers Priyank Kharge, Dinesh Gundu Rao and Youth Congress leader Mohammad Haris Nalapad over a complaint accusing them of allegedly making comments that "defame" the RSS and its members.

The special court for MP/MLAs had recently directed the issuance of notices under Section 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), based on a complaint filed by Tejas A, a member of the RSS and a city resident.

Reacting to the development, Priyank Kharge, Minister for Rural Development and IT/BT, said in a post on 'X' on Tuesday that RSS is the "biggest impediment" to the nation’s growth.

"The body of individuals is using its stooges to file cases against us, simply because we are raising valid questions on RSS," he said.

The complainant noted that Kharge had, in October, written a letter to the chief minister requesting a ban on RSS activities in government premises, including schools and grounds. He further alleged that the Minister subsequently made posts on social media against the RSS that were derogatory in nature.

Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao is also accused of making similar remarks on social media and in interactions with television media.

Nalapad is alleged to have made derogatory comments against RSS and its members on a social media channel.

The court ordered the issuance of notices while adjourning the next hearing to January 14. It cited legal provisions that mandate the hearing of the accused before taking cognisance of the alleged offences.

Following the court development, Kharge, in his post on 'X', highlighted that RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat had stated that the organisation functions through donations made by its volunteers.

Kharge asked, "Who are these volunteers and how are they identified. What is the scale and nature of the donations made? Through what mechanisms or channels are these contributions received?" "These questions underscore a fundamental issue of transparency and accountability. Why does the RSS continue to remain unregistered despite its vast national presence and influence." PTI KSU SA