A stand-up comedy show by comedian Nasir Akhtar, scheduled for 8 March at the Ministry of Comedy in Koramangala, Bengaluru, was cancelled following a formal complaint submitted to the police by Hindu organizations, alleging that the comedian had previously made remarks insulting Hindu religious sentiments.
As per India TV reports, the complaint was submitted by representatives of the Hindu Rashtra Samanvaya Samiti at the Koramangala Police Station, urging authorities to intervene and prevent the event from taking place. The complainants stated that videos circulating publicly from Akhtar’s earlier performances contained remarks that allegedly mocked Hindu Dharma, Bhagwan Shri Ram, and the slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram.’ Such statements had deeply hurt the sentiments of many Hindus and had the potential to trigger social unrest if similar content were repeated during the Bengaluru event.
In a formal representation addressed to the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner, the complainants argued that Karnataka has already witnessed several incidents of communal tension in recent times. They stated that allowing a public event where religious beliefs may be ridiculed could aggravate tensions and disturb law and order in the city. The letter urged the police to take preventive action to avoid any situation that might lead to public unrest or communal disharmony.
The complaint also requested that authorities examine the matter under relevant legal provisions governing public order and prevent acts that deliberately hurt religious sentiments or promote enmity between communities. Reference was made to provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 196 and 299, which deal with promoting enmity and deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
Following the submission of the complaint, the organizers reportedly cancelled the scheduled comedy show. Activists associated with the Hindu Rashtra Samanvaya Samiti described the development as a result of collective public pressure and the ‘united voice of Hindus.’
Mohan Gowda, State Spokesperson of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, welcomed the decision and stated that the cancellation was necessary to protect communal harmony and ensure that religious beliefs are not ridiculed in the name of entertainment. He expressed gratitude to the Bengaluru police and the Koramangala Police Station for taking note of the concerns raised.
Hindu groups involved in the complaint said the episode highlights the growing demand for accountability from performers and content creators when addressing religious themes in public forums.
This incident has once again raised concerns among many Hindus that Hindu Dharma is repeatedly used as an easy target for mockery in the name of comedy and entertainment, while similar treatment is rarely directed at other religions. Such content often goes beyond humor and attempts to ridicule sacred symbols, deities, and slogans deeply connected with the Hindu faith and identity. Many believe that when Hindu dharma is repeatedly portrayed in a derogatory manner, it gradually normalizes disrespect towards Dharmic values and principles. Therefore, it is important for authorities and society to ensure that freedom of expression does not become a tool for consistently demeaning or undermining the beliefs and traditions of the Hindu community.
