Bengaluru, 29 August

Home Minister Priyank Kharge and Congress leader Mohammed Haris Nalapad appeared in a Bengaluru court over a defamation case related to derogatory remarks against the RSS.

They were granted conditional bail after appearing before the 42nd Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court. The court issued summons in response to a private complaint filed by RSS worker Tejas A from Siddapura.

The allegations state Kharge posted a derogatory remark about RSS members on X on 14 October, 2025, and Nalapad made offensive comments on a YouTube channel. 

The complainant claimed the remarks defamed and hurt the RSS's reputation and dignity. The case was initiated after the court took cognisance of the complaint on 29 June, under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Kharge has previously criticised the RSS, questioning its relationship with the BJP, its legal status, transparency, and constitutional accountability. 

He stated that whenever the RSS faces scrutiny, the BJP "rattles," and questioned its role during India’s freedom struggle. Kharge also challenged the organisation’s transparency as it marks 100 years.