Law will take its own course in Owaisi's case: Kiran Kumar Reddy

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Thursday said law would take its own course in MIM legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi's case wherein he was alleged to have made a 'hate speech' against a particular community at a public meeting in Adilabad district a few days ago.

"There are two issues here. As an individual he (Akbar) has made such a statement. Is the party's view the same or is it an individual who made the statement...so legally it will be looked into. If anyone speaks in a voice that hurts the religious sentiments of others...law will take its course," Reddy said.

"When a case comes up...when a speech is made by anyone anywhere...case is registered in that jurisdiction. They (police) take legal opinion before registering a case. The government does not interfere in such things. The agencies, police here, register the case and go ahead," he replied, when asked if a case has been registered against the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) legislator.

Asked why it was taking so long to register a case against Owaisi over the inflammatory statements, Kiran shot back "Who said it is taking long?

"When such statements are made, usually the public prosecutor's opinion is taken and then cases are registered so that legally it is strong when they go to the court. I don't give any directions to state police as far as cases are concerned.

"The police, as per the law of the land and the state, acts. You can be rest assured that any statements which are derogatory, which are provoking or against sentiments of any other community...firm action will be taken," the chief minister asserted.

When pointed out that Akbar was second-in-command of MIM and as such his statements could not be treated as that of an individual, the chief minister remarked: "So what, it doesn't make a difference. What difference does it make?"

... contd.

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