Court seeks ATR on plea against Kanhaiya on burning 'Manusmriti'

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Monday asked the police to file an action taken report on a plea seeking lodging of FIR against JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and others for allegedly raising anti-Brahmin slogans and burning a copy of an ancient socio-religious text of Manusmriti.

"Police is directed to file Action Taken Report (ATR). Put up the matter for further hearing on June 1," Metropolitan Magistrate Lovleen said.

During the brief hearing, complainant Ajay Gautam told the court that he, being a Brahmin, felt offended after watching on 'Youtube' Jawaharlal Nehru University Students'

Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and other students including Umar Khalid allegedly raising slogans against Hindu religion and Brahmin caste.

He further said that on March 8, 2016, some students of JNU had allegedly burnt copies of socio-religious text Manusmriti in the campus during a demonstration.

Gautam contended he had fundamental right to practice any religion, faith under the constitution and no one can say he wants 'Azadi' (freedom) from one caste or others.

He urged the court to direct the police to file the ATR, saying the acts of the accused persons were highly illegal, unjustified, actionable and un-ignorable and they were liable to be punished under the law.

"The complainant further submits that the complainant is put to lot of trouble and mental agony after seeking the images/videos/news and comments made by the accused persons and is put to mental shock to the complainant...

"Thus the accused accused persons committed the offence under secton 153, 153-A, 295, 295-A, 124 and 120 B of IPC," Gautam's plea said.

He prayed that the Vasant Kunj Police should be directed to register the case under the relevant sections of law.