Kamal Haasan’s ‘Hindu Terrorism’ remark invites legal trouble; File FIR says HC if case made out

Madras High Court on Friday directed Greater Chennai Police Commissioner to register an FIR against the actor if a prima facie case could be made out against him.

Actor Kamal Haasan | PTI

CHENNAI: Kamal Haasan’s mention of ‘Hindu terrorism’ in an article he wrote seems to be leading to legal trouble for him. Madras High Court on Friday directed Greater Chennai Police Commissioner to register an FIR against the actor if a prima facie case could be made out against him. Justice M S Ramesh gave the directive while disposing of a criminal original petition from G Devarajan, an advocate clerk in Perambur, on Friday.

According to petitioner, a Tamil magazine had published an article written by Kamal Haasan in its issue dated November 8. In the article, Kamal had allegedly stated that the existence of ‘Hindu terrorism’ in the country cannot be ruled out.

“By making such a statement, Kamal Haasan is trying to brand Hindus as terrorists. He should understand that no religion preaches violence, but only peace. The actor, with vested interest, is trying to divide the Tamil community on the basis of religion,” the petitioner contended.

The petitioner had lodged a complaint against the actor with the Police Commissioner on November 4 and also with the Teynampet police on November 6. As there was no action taken, he filed the present petition in court.