Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut Faces Sedition Charges Over Allegedly Defamatory Article Against PM Modi

New Delhi: In the latest development, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has been booked on charges of sedition and other offenses for allegedly writing a derogatory article against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the party’s official publication ‘Saamana’. The complaint to register the case was lodged by BJP Yavatmal convenor Nitin Bhutada.

According to the complaint, Raut’s article, considered objectionable, was published on December 11, following which Bhutada was booked under sections 124 (A) (sedition), 153 (A) (promoting enmity between different groups), and 505. (2) (To make a statement) had to be implemented. or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes as per the Indian Penal Code). The FIR was officially lodged at Umarkhed police station in Yavatmal.

Responding to the allegations, Raut emphasized the political nature of the criticism in ‘Saamana’ and accused the BJP of censorship. He argued that the BJP’s attempt to stifle dissent was reminiscent of the era of censorship reminiscent of the Emergency.

The legal action comes amid heightened tensions with Raut claiming that the BJP has substantial amounts of black money. He alleged that if any leader associated with the ‘India Bloc’ was found to have Rs 200 crore, the BJP’s undisclosed wealth would be a staggering Rs 1 lakh crore. Raut’s comments come after the Income Tax Department raided premises linked to a Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand, in which unaccounted cash worth over Rs 335 crore was allegedly found.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case against Sanjay Raut opens a new chapter in the complex intersection between politics, media and freedom of expression.”