Former Congress MP Virji Thummar Faces Non-Cognizable Offence for Defaming PM Modi

A non-cognizable offense was filed against former Congress MP Virji Thummar by the Gujarat police following defamatory remarks against PM Modi. Thummar allegedly called Modi a "Dalal" during a Congress event, prompting a BJP leader to file a complaint. Both parties exchanged allegations, with Thummar stating he aimed to voice public sentiments and not defame anyone.

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In a recent turn of events in Gujarat, a contentious issue emerged between political figures, igniting legal friction and public debate. The catalyst was an alleged defamation against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by former Congress MP Virji Thummar. Thummar reportedly made derogatory remarks, labeling Modi as a "Dalal" (broker) during a Congress-sponsored event on December 22. This incited Mehul Dhorajiya, a general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Amreli district, to file a formal complaint against Thummar.

The complaint, lodged at the Amreli city police station, cited sections 499 (criminal defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation), and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These sections pertain to criminal defamation and intentional insult, warranting legal action.

Amidst this controversy, Deputy Superintendent of Police J P Bhandari confirmed the registration of a non-cognizable offense against Thummar. However, due to the nature of the offense, the police will require court permission to proceed with a formal inquiry.

The situation escalated as Thummar retaliated by filing a complaint with the Amreli city police, accusing the BJP of sullying his reputation through the burning of effigies. The authorities are investigating this aspect as part of the broader conflict.

Addressing the media, Thummar clarified that his remarks were not intended to offend but to voice the grievances of the public. He accused the ruling party of disregarding public sentiments, emphasizing that his statements aimed to represent the public's dissatisfaction rather than defame anyone.

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In a fiery statement, Thummar asserted, "Hang me if I have done anything wrong." He reiterated his stance of not intending to defame anyone, stressing that the ruling party should be receptive to public criticism.

The incident underscores the clash between political ideologies and the boundaries of freedom of expression. The legal trajectory of this case will likely unfold as the police seek approval from the court for further investigation into Thummar's comments and the counter-allegations made against the BJP.