- Wednesday, April 23, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has found himself in legal trouble after allegedly making casteist remarks against the Brahmin community on social media. The Raipur police registered an FIR against him under Sections 196 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following a formal complaint filed by a senior member of a Brahmin organization.
The complaint was lodged by Pandit Neelkanth Tripathi, the national vice president and Chhattisgarh in-charge of the Rashtriya Brahman Mahasangh (Bharat). According to Tripathi, Kashyap’s social media comment was not only deeply offensive to Brahmins but also appeared to be made with “ill-intent” and the potential to disrupt social harmony. The FIR was officially registered at the City Kotwali police station in Raipur on Monday.
The controversy erupted when Kashyap allegedly used “abusive language” while responding to someone on social media. While the exact nature of the post has not been publicly detailed by authorities, it has been widely condemned by members of the Brahmin community and drew swift backlash online. The police, citing the complaint, stated that the remarks promoted enmity between different groups based on caste and could harm communal peace.
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Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertains to promoting enmity on grounds such as religion, race, language, or place of birth, while Section 302 addresses deliberate acts aimed at wounding religious or cultural sentiments. Both provisions carry serious legal implications, including the possibility of arrest and judicial proceedings if the charges are upheld.
In response to the backlash, Anurag Kashyap issued a public apology on Tuesday, acknowledging that his words crossed a line. “I used abusive language in anger and crossed a boundary. I realize now that I should have responded with more restraint,” he said, addressing the situation directly to his followers.
The filmmaker, known for his outspoken nature and hard-hitting narratives, has often sparked controversy with his views on politics, society, and religion. However, this latest episode has once again spotlighted the fine line between freedom of expression and the legal responsibilities of public figures in India’s culturally diverse landscape.
The incident has also ignited a fresh debate on the responsibilities of artists in using social platforms, especially when sensitive topics like caste are involved. While some have come out in support of Kashyap, citing freedom of speech, others insist that celebrities must be more cautious with their words, given their influence.
As the investigation continues, the Raipur police have stated that further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing probe. Meanwhile, the Brahmin community and Rashtriya Brahman Mahasangh have demanded stronger action and have called for more accountability from those with large public platforms.
This case underscores the growing intersection between social media activity and legal consequences, especially as new legal codes like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita begin to be enforced across India.
