FIR filed under section 505 and 153A of IPC

Sudhir had run a program on Swawlambi Sarathi Scheme

Priyank Kharge foreshadowed legal action on X

A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against consulting editor of Aaj Tak and host of Aaj Tak’s prime time show Black and White, Sudhir Chahudhary in Seshadripuram under section 505 and 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) that covers circulation of rumours with the intent to incite hatred and vilification of a religion or community. 

Sudhir Chahudhary had run a program on the Swawlambi Sarathi Scheme run by the Karnataka Government. He had stated in the show that the scheme would provide subsidies to those from the minority religion for buying taxis and autos. He stated that the poor belonging to the Hindu religion would be lamenting not having been born in other religions. 

Minister for IT/BT in Karnataka, Priyank Kharge had posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, foreshadowing legal action. “The anchor of Aaj Tak is deliberately spreading misinformation on Government schemes which was first started by BJP MPs & is being amplified by sections of the media.

This is deliberate & malicious, Govt will be taking necessary legal action,” he posted. 

Sudhir Chahudhary responded to the FIR and the tweet by saying that he is being targeted for questioning the scheme and that he is prepared to fight the legal battle.