AGRA — A criminal defamation complaint has been lodged against prominent religious figure Dhirendra Shastri in an Agra civil court following public remarks concerning Lord Krishna during a religious gathering in Madhya Pradesh.
Advocate Ajay Pratap Singh filed the petition before Civil Judge Kanchan Kumar, arguing that statements made by Shastri during a Ram Katha address in Karera, Shivpuri district, insulted traditional religious beliefs and harmed the social standing of community groups claiming ancestral ties to the deity.
Key Allegations and Court Action
The legal filing centers on comparative descriptions of Hindu deities made during the preacher’s sermon:
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Contested Remarks: The complainant highlighted statements where Shastri characterized Lord Krishna’s traditional iconographic three-bend posture using disparaging terminology, asserting that the remarks surpassed customary religious commentary.
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Claims of Cultural Harm: The petitioner, citing historical connections to communities such as the Jadoons, Jadejas, and Bhatis, alleged that the comments caused emotional distress and damaged the public reputation of descendant lineages.
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Judicial Schedule: Civil Judge Kanchan Kumar formally accepted the matter for registration after an initial hearing and scheduled the next court proceeding for December 14.
Political Debate Over Preacher Engagements
The court filing triggered broader political discussion regarding public religious events across Uttar Pradesh:
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Opposition Position: Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav advised organizers of public religious functions to refrain from sponsoring or featuring preachers who engage in controversial rhetoric.
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Ruling Party Response: Bharatiya Janata Party State President Pankaj Chaudhary dismissed the opposition’s remarks, invoking traditional devotional verses to assert that political leaders should not dictate guidelines to religious event organizers.
