FIR Filed Against Karnataka Seer for Controversial Remarks on Muslim Voting Rights

Karnataka seer Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swamiji faces legal action for suggesting Muslims be denied voting rights, a statement he later retracted. The controversy arose during a protest against Waqf Board land claims, sparking widespread criticism and legal repercussions.

Karnataka seer Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swamiji of the Vishwa Vokkaliga Mahasamastana Math faces legal trouble after suggesting that Muslims should be stripped of their voting rights. The remarks were made during a protest organized by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh in response to land-related notices issued by the Karnataka Waqf Board.

In his speech, the seer criticized the Waqf Board, claiming that its authority to claim land violates “Dharma.” He called for unity to protect farmers’ lands, alleging that allowing the Waqf Board to take land would lead to widespread injustice. However, his comments about Muslim voting rights sparked outrage.

Following a complaint by a social worker, an FIR was registered at the Upparpet police station under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which addresses deliberate acts intended to outrage religious sentiments.

The seer later issued an apology, calling his statement a “slip of the tongue.” He clarified that Muslims, as Indian citizens, have equal voting rights. Despite his apology, the incident has drawn widespread criticism.

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Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha has extended the Joint Committee's term on the Waqf Amendment Bill to address ongoing disputes over Waqf property ownership in several states.