Court directs police to book Hardik Pandya for comments against BR Ambedkar

An SC/ST court in Jodhpur, Rajasthan has directed the police to file an FIR against Indian cricket team's all-rounder Hardik Pandya. His comment on Bhim Rao Ambedkar, through a tweet back in December, which he later deleted, is the reason behind court's order.

Pandya's post on Twitter read: “Which Ambedkar ??? The one who drafted a cross law and constitution or the one who spread the disease called reservation in the country.”

DR Meghwal, who filed the petition in court, accused Pandya of 'spreading hatred and creating division in the society'. He went on to state that the 24-year-old Surat-born cricketer deliberately hurt the sentiments of his community and that a suitable punishment should be handed out to Pandya for his 'crass act'.

Meghwal, who is a lawyer himself, moved to the court on Tuesday and within two days the special court directed police to book the cricketer.

“I learnt about Pandya’s comment through social media in January. It appeared quite derogatory for a figure like Ambedkar and was an attempt to spread hatred and create division in the society,” said Meghwal.

“By doing so, he has committed a serious crime and hurt the sentiments of my entire community,” he added.

Pandya, who will be featuring for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming Indian Premier League, has not issued a statement from his side yet.

More to follow...