Reprieve for Kushboo in Hindu deity disrespect case

Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, Feb 11 (UNI) Popular film actress Kushboo received a reprieve after a local court dismissed a private complaint , seeking action against her for ''disrespecting'' Hindu deities at a recent film launch.

Additional District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate Babulal dismissed the petition, filed by Hindu Munnani Town Secretary Gurumurthy, saying no prima facie case existed and held that there was no sufficient ground to proceed.

Citing photographs of Kushboo sitting cross-legged with footwear near idols of Hindu deities on the dais during the recent film launch, the petitioner had contended that she had shown disrespect and hurt the sentiments of Hindus.

''Considering the sworn statements of witnesses and records, this court is of the opinion that no ingredient to constitute an offence under Sections 295, 295-A and 296 (pertaining to hurting religious sentiments) of IPC is made out against the accused and there is no sufficient ground to proceed,'' the judge observed.

Kushboo, whose comments on premarital sex landed her in legal wrangles two years back, was caught in a fresh controversy, after print media carried photographs of her sitting cross legged in front of the idols, put up in the dias as part of the film settings.

Besides this complaint, Kushboo is facing similar cases, filed by the Hindu Makkal Katchi activists, in various courts in Chennai and Rameswaram.

UNI XR/WS AJ AE RS1935