Karnataka police have initiated legal action against a former minister and a writer for their critical remarks about Lord Ram and other characters from the epic Ramayana. The case was filed on 28 November 2025 following controversial statements made during a recent symposium.
Controversial Symposium Remarks
The controversy erupted when the former minister expressed strong opinions about characters from the Ramayana during a symposium held recently. The minister stated that Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Ravana are not ideal figures and described them as "cruel" in her assessment.
These remarks immediately sparked widespread discussion and debate across various communities. The symposium, which was organized to discuss contemporary interpretations of ancient texts, took an unexpected turn with these controversial character assessments.
Police Intervention and Legal Action
Law enforcement authorities took suo motu cognizance of the matter, meaning they acted on their own initiative without a formal complaint being filed. The police have registered a case against both the former minister and the writer under relevant sections of the law.
The timing of the case, filed on November 28, 2025, indicates the immediate response from authorities to the sensitive nature of the comments. Police officials confirmed that the case was registered based on the content of the speeches delivered during the symposium.
Growing Public Reaction
The incident has generated significant public attention and mixed reactions from various segments of society. While some have defended the right to freedom of expression and academic discussion, others have expressed strong objection to the characterization of revered religious figures.
Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for discussions about the limits of free speech, religious sensitivity, and the interpretation of ancient texts in modern contexts. The case highlights the ongoing tension between traditional beliefs and contemporary critical analysis.
Legal experts suggest that this case could set important precedents regarding freedom of expression and religious sentiments in India. The development comes amid ongoing national conversations about cultural heritage and modern interpretation of historical texts.
