Complaint against Bhushan over Kashmir remarks

A complaint was on Monday filed in a Delhi court against key Team Anna member Prashant Bhushan for his comments on Kashmir.

The complaint has been filed by Vibhor Anand, a law student, seeking directions to the police for registration of FIR against Prashant Bhushan for his alleged remarks on status of Kashmir and withdrawal of Army from the region.

The complainant said Bhushan made the comments with "a malafide intention and sole motive to create panic among the masses and to disturb the Constitutional set up."

Terming as "offending" Bhushan's comment on plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir, Anand has said the police should register an FIR against him for sedition.

When contacted, Bhushan's office said only a complaint has been filed and no proceedings have been initiated by any court, so any discussion on it is premature.

"In a democracy, everyone has a right to say their views on all issues. Just because the issue concerns Kashmir, does not mean that it becomes out of bounds for a reasoned discussion."

"What Bhushan said on this issue, is said everyday on the streets of Kashmir. A general sentiment of a sizeable section of the population cannot be outlawed. So far, as we understand, only a complaint has been filed. No proceedings have been initiated by any court, so any discussion on it is premature," a statement issued by advocate Pranav Sachdeva on behalf of Bhushan said.

Bhushan had triggered a controversy by supporting the idea of holding plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir following which he was attacked by three youths belonging to a right-wing group in his chamber on October 12 last year.