A Bengaluru court has granted bail to Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge and Congress leader Mohammed Nalapad in a defamation case involving alleged derogatory remarks against the RSS.

  • The 42nd Special Court for Elected Representatives granted bail to both accused.
  • The bail requires a personal bond of ₹1 lakh and ₹10,000 cash security each.
  • The accused have denied all allegations and demanded a trial.
  • The next hearing is scheduled for September 19 for complainant evidence.

In a significant legal development, a Bengaluru court on Saturday granted bail to Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge and Congress leader Mohammed Nalapad. The decision pertains to a defamation case filed in connection with alleged derogatory statements and social media posts directed at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The 42nd Special Court for Elected Representatives presided over the proceedings, where defense counsels filed applications under Section 478 and Section 490 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The court observed that the offense alleged under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is bailable, leading to the approval of the bail applications.

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Historical Background of the Dispute

The legal battle began following a private complaint filed by A Tejas, an RSS worker from Siddapura. The complainant alleged that Kharge had posted a controversial tweet on October 14, 2025, criticizing the RSS. Additionally, Mohammed Nalapad was accused of making disparaging remarks regarding the organization on a YouTube platform.

In his controversial post, Kharge had highlighted the threats he received for questioning RSS activities in educational institutions. He had poignantly remarked, "When the RSS didn't spare Mahatma Gandhi or Babasaheb Ambedkar, why would they spare me?" He further advocated for a society rooted in the principles of Buddha, Basavanna, and Ambedkar.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this case serves as a critical litmus test for the boundaries of political speech in the digital age. As high-profile leaders increasingly use social media to challenge ideological organizations, the judiciary is being called upon to distinguish between robust political criticism and actionable defamation.

Legal analysts suggest that the outcome of this trial could set a precedent for how political figures are held accountable for their digital rhetoric.

During the court session, both Kharge and Nalapad appeared in person. They categorically denied all allegations of defamation and expressed their intent to fight the case through a full trial. The court has now set September 19 as the date for recording the complainant's evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What were the specific charges against Priyank Kharge?
Answer: He was accused of defamation under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita regarding his social media posts against the RSS.

Question 2: When is the next court date?
Answer: The matter is posted for the complainant's evidence on September 19.

Did You Know?: Defamation laws in India are being transitioned from the old IPC to the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).