Legal Notice Issued to Vidyanand Bapat Over Alleged Remarks on Ganeshotsav

– Advocate Pradeep Naik seeks unconditional apology within 48 hours, warns of legal action

Pune : Mumbai High Court advocate Pradeep Naik has issued a legal notice to Vidyanand Bapat over his alleged derogatory remarks concerning Ganeshotsav, Lord Ganesha and Hindu religious beliefs.

Naik has demanded that Bapat issue a public and unconditional apology within 48 hours of receiving the notice. He warned that failure to respond could lead to criminal and other legal action based on available video and electronic evidence.

According to Naik, freedom of expression does not permit anyone to deliberately insult religious beliefs. He said citizens have the right to express their views on issues such as noise pollution and public festivals through lawful means, but allegedly offensive or derogatory remarks about religious beliefs could attract legal action.

Naik referred to Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion, while arguing that the right to freedom of expression is subject to legal restrictions.

He has also cited Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with other relevant provisions, in the notice. Naik warned that if Bapat fails to provide a satisfactory explanation within the stipulated 48 hours, a complaint could be filed with the cyber police, police authorities and the appropriate court.

The notice also calls for the preservation of the alleged original video, audio recordings, digital files, social media posts, metadata and other electronic evidence, without alteration or destruction.

Naik said that if Bapat does not respond to the notice, he will approach Pune Police Commissioner and seek registration of a case.