New Delhi: In the backdrop of 'Comedy Nights' actor Kiku Sharda's arrest for mimicking Dera Saccha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan, former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju has released a list of godmen who might get offended and initiate legal action against those who try to make a mockery of them.
Reacting to the popular actor's arrest, justice Katju said, "The arrest and chargesheeting of Kiku Sharda for mimicking Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh sends a clear signal to all in the country - do not mimic or criticise any Baba (godmen), dead or alive, lest you find yourselves behind bars."
Justice Katju, a former chairman of Press Council of India, expressed his displeasure over the arrest of comedian Kiku Sharda for mimicking Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan, which angered the vast followers of his outfit Dera Saccha Sauda.
Katju, who is known for criticising religious orthodoxy on social media, also gave a piece of advice to artists, journalists and members of civil society to refrain from taking a jibe at the living ‘saints’.
Katju also disclosed a list of godmen who will probably end up hurting the dissenter in a gruesome manner if he attempts to mess with them.
“So do not mimic or criticise the following,'' Katju's list read.
- Satya Sai Baba
- Radhe Maa
- Asaram Bapu
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
- Swami Ramdev
- Nirmal Baba
- Swami Nityanand
- Osho
- Handia Baba
- Deoraha Baba
- Nimkauri Baba
- Computer Baba
- Pilot Baba
- Premanand
- Anandmayi Ma
- Dhirendra Brahmachari
- Chandraswami
- Balti Baba
''There are obviously many more which could be added in the list, but presently these are the ones who come to my mind,” he added.
Taking a jibe at the Judiciary too, he said ''apart from these are also the Babas who sit in the Indian judiciary, about whom also you have to be careful”.
