Kharge's Speech Under Scrutiny: Political Criticism or Defamation?

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has defended himself in court, arguing that allegations of 'hate speech' and 'defamation' stemming from his criticism of political ideology are baseless. He contends that his speech constitutes political critique, protected under the freedom of speech, without aiming to incite violence or defame any group.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has described the claims against him as a misuse of the legal process, after a Delhi court dismissed a plea for an FIR alleging his speech constituted hate speech and defamation.

Kharge presented his formal response to Special Judge Jitendra Singh, arguing that his statements made during an election rally in Karnataka were solely political critique rather than targeting any religious or social community.

Furthermore, Kharge asserts the magistrate correctly recognized his actions as protected political expression as per India's constitutional rights, and the allegations do not warrant a criminal investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)