Javed Akhtar has insulted the Rajputs, an activist in Rajasthan has alleged. A complaint has been filed against Mr Akhtar, asking that the police file a case against him for inciting communal enmity and hatred.
The complaint said Mr Akhtar had deliberately tried to insult and shame a particular community. His words, the complaint said, will create discord and promote enmity between communities and religions. The complainant, Pratap Singh Shekhawat, demanded that a case be filed under adequate sections that outline a maximum punishment of five years and a fine.
The complaint comes as some Rajput fringe groups have declared war on the Bollywood movie Padmavati. Apprehensive of irking the politically crucial community, politicians across party lines have demanded a ban on the film.
The Supreme Court has turned down to appeals to ban the movie, which is yet to get clearance from the censor board. The film's producers have voluntarily declared that its release will be deferred.
Akhtar's comment, to which the Rajput Karni Sena has taken exception, was made in the support of the movie. Defending Padmavati in an interview with a television channel at the Lucknow lit-fest, Mr Akhtar had questioned why the Rajput rulers have served the British for 200 years and never fought against them.
The Karni Sena said his remarks mocked the history of the Rajputs. Mahipal singh Makrana, the official who had threatened physical harm to actor Deepika Padukone, said Mr Akhtar was not welcome in Rajasthan any more.
Last week, Mahipal Singh Makrana had announced that Deepika Padukone will get the same treatment as Ravana's sister Surpanakha, whose nose had been chopped off, in the epic Ramayana.
