Chennai: The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court granted anticipatory bail to actor Kamal Haasan, president of Makkal Neethi Maiam, in connection with case filed against him by Hindu Munnani Katchi for his comments on Nathuram Godse.
Granting anticipatory bail, Justice R Pugalendhi said hate speeches had become a common affair of late.
The Karur police registered a case against Kamal on charges of ‘promoting enmity’ in making comments stating that Nathuram Godse, a Hindu, who killed Mahatma Gandhi was independent India’s first extremist, during a road show in the district.
On a complaint by Hindu Munnani’s Karur district secretary, KV Ramakrishnan, an FIR was registered against Kamal Hassan under sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion) and 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) of the Indian Penal Code.
Apprehending arrest, Kamal had approached the court seeking anticipatory bail and a direction to the police to provide security to him. The remark had triggered a controversy with the BJP, the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and several Hindu outfits condemning Haasan. Cases have been filed against him in Tamil Nadu and New Delhi.
Finding fault with Haasan for raising the issue in his campaign speech, the judge said a spark could light a lamp as well as destroy a forest.
