New Delhi (India), July 5: Amidst the ongoing dialogue around freedom of expression and national identity, 34 National Awards winner and Padma Shree 2024 nominee Advocate Mita Banerjee has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Calcutta High Court. The litigation challenges statements made by renowned author Arundhati Roy, which Banerjee contends are detrimental to India’s secular and democratic ethos.
The controversy stems from Arundhati’s comments made in an interview, subsequently shared on her social media, where she labelled India as a “Hindu fascist enterprise.” These remarks, according to Banerjee, not only malign India’s foundational principles but also pose a threat to national security by potentially disrespecting religious sentiments.
Advocate Mita argued during the court proceedings, claiming, “The statement made by Arundhati in Al Jazeera TV sparks communal harmony disbalance.”
She further argued that “The channel in which Arundhati made such remark was earlier associated with the terrorist Osama Bin Laden, through AI Jazeera TV he used to deliver his harmful viewpoints.”
Banerjee, representing the spirit of “Dharma Rakshati Rakshita” (Dharma protects those who protect it), has approached the division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, urging that Roy be compelled to retract her statement. This request underscores the delicate balance between individual freedoms and the collective integrity of the nation.
The case has gained additional attention due to the involvement of celebrated South Indian actor Prakash Raj, who further amplified Roy’s statement by sharing it on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
As this case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing debate over freedom of expression versus national cohesion in India. Advocate Mita Banerjee’s actions embody a dedication to safeguarding this balance, ensuring that the spirit of India’s democratic, secular ethos remains unchallenged.
