Petition filed in B'luru court against using only 'Kundapura' in reports on Chaithra Kundapura
Bengaluru: A petition has been filed with the Bengaluru City Civil and Sessions Court, urging media organizations to refrain from using the name 'Kundapura' when referring to the accused Hindutva activist, Chaithra Kundapura, in their print, online, and television news reports.
The petitioner, Ganesh Shetty, who hails from Kundapur, emphasizes the historical significance of Kundapur, a prominent town in Udupi district with a rich history dating back over a millennium. It has flourished under the rule of various dynasties, including the Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. Shetty argues that labeling the accused as 'Kundapura' in media reports is disrespectful to the town and negatively impacts its reputation.
The petition calls for media outlets, including social media platforms, to be legally restricted from using 'Kundapura' to refer to the accused. Additionally, it requests the permanent deletion of any news reports, videos, articles, social media posts, or links that employ this terminology.
Advocate Pavanchandra Shetty will represent the petitioner in court, where the case is awaiting further proceedings.
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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
