NEW DELHI: A criminal complaint has been filed against Bollywood filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan by Vikas Fhatak, popularly known as Hindustani Bhau, for allegedly insulting Hindu religious sentiments.
The complaint, filed through Advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, alleges that Farah referred to the Holi festival as being celebrated by “chapris”, a term often considered derogatory.
The controversy erupted after Farah Khan’s remarks about Holi celebrations sparked outrage, with Fhatak claiming that her statement was offensive and intended to hurt Hindu sentiments.
The complaint has been lodged at Khar Police Station, urging the authorities to register an FIR against Khan.
Advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh stated, “My client has always spoken against individuals spreading hatred and derogatory remarks about religions. It is shameful that people with high stature in Bollywood have no control over their words.” He further added, “We have filed the complaint and are awaiting an investigation by Khar Police.”
The legal complaint invokes Sections 196, 299, 302, and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, covering deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, promotion of enmity, and uttering words to wound religious sentiments.
It also argues that Farah Khan misused her rights under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
As of now, Khar Police have not yet registered an FIR, and the matter remains under investigation.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- A criminal complaint has been filed against Bollywood filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan by Vikas Fhatak, also known as Hindustani Bhau.
- The complaint alleges that Farah Khan insulted Hindu religious sentiments by referring to the Holi festival as being celebrated by ‘chapris’.
- Advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, representing Vikas Fhatak, stated that the comments were intended to hurt Hindu sentiments.
- The legal complaint invokes multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, addressing acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
- As of now, Khar Police have not registered a First Information Report and the matter is under investigation.