Chennai: Days after veteran Tamil filmstar Kamal Haasan made the controversial ''Hindu terrorism'' remarks, the Madras High Court on Friday said that action against him can be taken if he is found guilty.
The high court today directed the state's police to register an FIR against actor Kamal Haasan if a cognisable offence is made out against him over his alleged remarks.
Haasan had courted a bitter controversy over his "Hindu terrorism" comments made in a Tamil weekly. His remarks reportedly hurt the sentiments of Hindus after which he was verbally attacked by several right-wing outfits.
The order was passed by Justice MS Ramesh while responding to a petition by G Devarajan, a registered advocate clerk in the Madras High Court.
The petitioner had sought a direction to the police to register the FIR against the actor based on his complaint.
According to the petitioner, the actor said in an article published in the magazine's November 8 edition that the presence of "Hindu terrorism" in the country cannot be ruled out.
"By making such statements Kamal Haasan is trying to brand Hindus as terrorists. He should understand that no religion preaches violence but only peace. The actor with vested interests is trying to divide the Tamil community on basis of religion," the petitioner said.
He further said he had approached the Chennai Police Commissioner on November 4 and Teynampet Police on November 6 with his complaint against the actor.
Since no action was taken on the complaints, he moved the high court.
Owing to his criticism from several quarters, Kamal Haasan later tendered an apology and said that he was misinterpreted.
