Chennai: The Madurai bench of Madras High Court has granted conditional anticipatory bail to Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan.
A petition was filed by Kamal seeking anticipatory bail following a case filed against him by Hindu Munnani for his comments on Nathuram Godse at an election campaign event in Aravakurichi.
The local police had filed cases against Kamal Haasan under various sections.
Speaking at the event, the actor-politician had stated that Nathuram Godse, the Hindu man who killed Mahatma Gandhi, was Independent India’s first extremist.
The court has asked Kamal Haasan to appear before the Aravakurichi magistrate within 15 days. The anticipatory bail will be given against a bond surety amount of Rs 10,000.
A complaint was given against Kamal by Hindu Munnani’s Karur district secretary, K V Ramakrishnan. An FIR was registered 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.
His comments led to a backlash as BJP leaders and State Minister Rajenthira Bhalaji sought strict action against him. In fact, the Minister Kamal’s tongue cut.
After the controversy broke out, Kamal, who addressed mediapersons at Chennai airport, reiterated his stance and asked what was wrong with his statement as it was a historical fact. At the same media meet, he issued a veiled warning to the government saying that he was ‘advising’ it against arresting him as it would worsen the situation.