Public criticism and a defamation case over a reported 2021 RSS-Taliban comparison
In a September 2021 NDTV interview, Javed Akhtar was reported comparing supporters of the RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal to the Taliban. BJP figures demanded an apology, RSS supporters filed defamation complaints, and a Mumbai court summoned him in 2022. The complainant withdrew in November 2024 after mediation and Akhtar was acquitted.
Editorial timeline of public reporting, not a legal finding.
- Reported NDTV interview comparing RSS supporters to the Taliban - Scroll reported that in an NDTV interview after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Akhtar said the Taliban were barbaric and their actions reprehensible, but that those supporting the RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal were all the same. Scroll said he also criticised the minuscule section of Indian Muslims who welcomed the takeover. BJP will not allow screening of Javed Akhtar films, says MLA after lyricist compares RSS to Taliban
- BJP MLA demands an apology and a police complaint is filed, as reported - The Quint and Hindustan Times reported that BJP Maharashtra MLA Ram Kadam demanded Akhtar apologise to RSS functionaries and said his films would not be allowed to screen until he did. Ashutosh J Dubey, who described himself as a legal adviser to the BJP's Maharashtra unit, said he had filed a complaint with Mumbai Police. 'Must Apologise to the Sangh': BJP's Ram Kadam Slams Akhtar's Remarks on RSS
- Rs 100 crore legal notice and a criminal defamation complaint, as reported - India Today reported that lawyer and RSS worker Santosh Dubey sent Akhtar a Rs 100 crore defamation notice seeking an unconditional written apology within seven days, while another advocate filed a criminal defamation complaint alleging the remarks were meant to vilify organisations working for the Hindu cause. Mumbai: Legal notice, Rs 100 cr defamation case filed against Javed Akhtar by RSS workers
- Mumbai magistrate summons Akhtar in the defamation complaint - The Indian Express and India Today reported that a metropolitan magistrate court in Mulund, Mumbai, issued process against Akhtar under IPC sections 499 and 500 on Santosh Dubey's complaint and listed the matter for his appearance on February 6. Mumbai court issues summons to Javed Akhtar over his RSS remarks; next case hearing on Feb 6
- Sessions court rejects Akhtar's challenge to the summons - The Indian Express and Bar & Bench reported that a Mumbai sessions court dismissed Akhtar's revision plea against the summons. He had argued that proper procedure was not followed and that the complainant had no standing or authorisation from the RSS to file the complaint. Remarks on RSS: Court dismisses Javed Akhtar's revision petition
- Complaint withdrawn after mediation and Akhtar acquitted - The Hindu, citing PTI, reported that a Mulund magistrate disposed of the case as withdrawn after the complainant said the matter was settled in mediation and he did not want to prosecute, and Akhtar was acquitted. RSS remarks case: Lyricist Javed Akhtar acquitted as complainant withdraws case