A Bengaluru court has initiated criminal defamation proceedings against Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge and Congress leader Mohammed Haris Nalapad over their alleged remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Court takes cognisance of complaint
The XLII Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court took cognisance of a private complaint filed by RSS member Tejas A, who alleged that the two Congress leaders made defamatory statements that tarnished the image of the organisation and its members.
Following a preliminary examination of the complaint and supporting material, the court directed that a criminal case be registered against Priyank Kharge and Mohammed Haris Nalapad and issued summons to both leaders. They have been asked to appear before the court on July 21 for further proceedings.
Allegations relate to remarks on RSS
According to the complaint, Kharge allegedly made objectionable remarks about the RSS on social media and had also written to then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in October 2025 seeking a ban on RSS activities on government premises. Nalapad is accused of making defamatory remarks against the organisation during a programme aired on his YouTube channel.
Proceedings dropped against Dinesh Gundu Rao
The original complaint had also named Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. However, the court declined to proceed against him at the stage of taking cognisance, and the case will continue only against Priyank Kharge and Mohammed Haris Nalapad.
The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing on July 21, when both accused are expected to appear before the court.