Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has been sent a legal notice by former Vice Chairman of the Maharashtra Minority Commission Abraham Mathai accusing him of ‘hurting sentiments’ of the Christian community by making a reference to the Pope in a tweet directed at actor Kangana Ranaut.
Mathai’s lawyer Rizwan Siddiquee said the notice has been sent to the 42-year-old actor under IPC Section 295A asking him to apologise in seven days failing which a criminal complaint will be filed.
The tweet was after his alleged ex-lover Kangana apparently referred to him as her “silly ex”.
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“Hrithik Roshan has hurt the religious sentiments, feelings and beliefs of Christians (Roman Catholics) all over the world which includes my client as well. My client wants a written public apology from Hrithik Roshan within seven days,” Siddiquee said.
On January 28, Hrithik had tweeted, “There r more chances of me having had an affair with d Pope dan any of d (I m sure wonderful) women d media hs ben naming. Thanks but no thanks (sic).”
The notice also said that by making such a statement on a public platform Hrithik has not only wilfully challenged the chastity of the respected Pope but has also shown him in poor light.
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“Thus malafidely, mischievously and intentionally outraged the religious feelings and insulted the religious beliefs of Romans Catholics all over the world who consider the Pope to be absolutely chaste as their spiritual and religious leader,” the notice read.
It also reads that by indulging in such a criminal act, Hrithik has rendered himself guilty and liable to be tried under the provision of IPC section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs).
The notice says if Hrithik misses the deadline, Siddiquee will obtain the required sanction under CrPC Section 196 and file a criminal complaint.
Neither the actor nor his representative were available for comment. —PTI