BJP leader files case against Mani Shankar Aiyar for sedition

A case of sedition and defamation against former Indian diplomat turned politician and Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar was on Thursday filed in additional chief judicial magistrate (ACJM) court in Kota. The court, admitting the case, fixed February 20 for the hearing in the matter.    

Kota district OBC wing head Ashok Choudhary, who recently hit the limelight in media for having written to BJP national president Amit Shah demanding to replace Vasundhara Raje– Ashok Parnami leadership in Rajasthan following the debacle of the party in recent by-elections, filed the case under section 124 (A), 500 and 504 of IPC against Aiyar for expressing love and praise for Pakistan and insulting India in 9th Karachi literature festival recently held in Pakistan. 

In the case filed, Choudhary mentioned that the Congress leader, Aiyar on February 11 in a function in Karachi city of Pakistan said he loved Pakistan and the people of Pakistan also love him a lot whereas he received the same quantum of hatred in India. Aiyar also said that India is not interested to resolve the issues with Pakistan through dialogue and India has no positive attitude towards Pakistan’s proposal for dialogue, Choudhary mentioned. 

The statements in favour of Pakistan have deeply hurt his patriotism and passionate sentiments for his country, Choudhary said in the petition.  

Such statements and expression of love for Pakistan by Mani Shankar Aiyar falls in the category of sedition and the court is requested to prosecute against Aiyar, Choudhary said. 

The ACJM court has admitted the case filed by him against Mani Shankar Aiyar and fixed February 20 for hearing in the matter.