In a courtroom twist that underscores the power of dialogue, renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar was acquitted of defamation charges after settling the matter with complainant Santosh Dubey, an advocate and RSS supporter. The case, rooted in comments Akhtar made during a television interview comparing the RSS to the Taliban, has now been laid to rest.
Dubey, who initially filed the case in October 2021, alleged that Akhtar’s remarks were a deliberate attempt to tarnish the RSS’s reputation. He invoked legal provisions under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code, accusing Akhtar of calculated defamation.
However, the narrative shifted dramatically during mediation, where both parties reached an amicable resolution. Following Dubey’s decision to withdraw the complaint, Judicial Magistrate SD Chakkar of Mumbai’s Mulund court formally acquitted Akhtar, noting that the issue had been settled outside the courtroom.
The court’s order succinctly declared the case closed: “Complaint is disposed of as withdrawn. Accused Javed Akhtar is acquitted.”
This resolution highlights a rare instance where conversation triumphed over contention, leaving both parties free to move forward without the shadow of prolonged litigation.
