Priyank Kharge Summoned: Bengaluru Court Seeks Response Over RSS Defamation Case

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge and Youth Congress leader Mohammed Nalapad have come under legal scrutiny following their alleged remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). A court in Bengaluru has issued summons to both leaders, requiring them to provide a response by July 21, 2026. The legal action stems from a criminal defamation complaint filed against them for their persistent and allegedly derogatory comments aimed at the organization. The court's decision marks a significant development in the ongoing friction between the state's political leadership and the RSS.

Legal Proceedings and Court Observations

The summons was issued by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Sandeep Patil, who reviewed the complaint and the evidence presented. The magistrate observed that a prima facie case exists against Priyank Kharge and Mohammed Nalapad under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which pertains to criminal defamation. In its formal order, the court stated that the offense punishable under Section 356 of BNS, 2023, has been taken into cognizance against accused number 1, Priyank Kharge, and accused number 3, Mohammed Nalapad. The court office has been directed to register the matter as a criminal case and issue the necessary summons to the accused individuals, returnable by July 21, 2026.

Details of the Complaint and Allegations

The case was initiated following a petition filed by A. Tejas, a resident of Bengaluru and an active member of the RSS. According to the complaint, the accused individuals made several insulting and defamatory statements targeting the RSS and its members during October 2025. The complainant alleged that Priyank Kharge, while serving as a minister, wrote a formal letter to the Karnataka government on October 4, 2025. In this letter, he reportedly demanded that the RSS be prohibited from using government-owned playgrounds, schools, and colleges for its activities. The complaint further states that this letter was intentionally leaked to the media and shared on Kharge's social media platforms with the specific intent of tarnishing the reputation of the organization.

Social Media Posts and Specific Remarks

The legal complaint also highlights specific social media activity from October 13 and 14 last year. One particular post attributed to Kharge allegedly advised the public against forming any association with RSS members. The post reportedly stated, "Never befriend an RSS member. Not just a friend, even if they're a member of your family. " The complainant argued that such statements were designed to incite prejudice and defame the character of millions of individuals associated with the organization. While the court has moved forward with proceedings against Kharge and Nalapad, it notably declined to take action against former Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who was also mentioned in the context of the case.

Response from the Accused

Despite the court's formal summons and the gravity of the criminal defamation charges, Home Minister Priyank Kharge has maintained a reserved stance. When approached by the media for his reaction to the court's proceedings and the allegations leveled against him, Kharge refused to offer any comment. The legal battle is now set to unfold as the deadline of July 21, 2026, approaches, by which time the accused must present their formal response to the court. This case continues to draw significant attention as it involves high-ranking government officials and one of the country's most prominent socio-cultural organizations.