Agra, November 6: Religious preacher Dhirendra Shastri has landed in legal trouble over his alleged controversial remarks about Lord Krishna. A criminal defamation complaint has been filed against him before an Agra court, with the complainant alleging that his comments hurt religious sentiments and damaged the social reputation of Lord Krishna's descendants.
The complaint was filed by advocate Ajay Pratap Singh before the Agra Civil Court. According to the lawyer, Shastri made the alleged remarks during a religious discourse while delivering a Ram Katha programme in Karera, Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh.
During the discourse, Shastri reportedly compared the physical postures of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. According to the complaint, he allegedly said, "Those who follow Krishna might feel bad, but Krishna is very crooked. Even when he stands, he is bent at three places."
The remarks have triggered objections from the complainant, who argued that the statements were derogatory and could hurt the religious sentiments of people who worship Lord Krishna.
Ajay Pratap Singh further claimed that Lord Krishna was born in human form during the Dwapar Yuga and that his descendants continue to live in India. To support his argument, he referred to communities such as the Jadoons, Jadejas and Bhatis, which are associated with claims of descent from Lord Krishna.
The advocate also claimed to be a descendant of Lord Krishna through his maternal side. He alleged that the preacher's remarks not only hurt the religious sentiments of Krishna's followers but also affected the dignity and social standing of his descendants.
The complaint came up for a preliminary hearing before Civil Judge Kanchan Kumar. The court registered the case and scheduled the next hearing for December 14.
The legal development comes amid a wider political and public debate over controversial statements made by religious preachers. A day before the complaint was filed, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav had urged organisers and sponsors of religious programmes to distance themselves from controversial preachers.
Responding to Yadav's remarks, BJP state president Pankaj Chaudhary quoted a couplet from the Ramcharitmanas, suggesting that people should examine their own conduct before questioning others.
The complaint has brought renewed attention to the responsibilities of religious speakers and the sensitivity surrounding statements about revered figures. The matter will now be examined by the court at its next hearing on December 14.
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