Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code which deals with hurting “religious feelings” came into play once again on Wednesday when reports suggested that actor Kiku Sharda who plays the character of Palak on the television show "Comedy Nights with Kapil" was arrested and charged with the section for portraying Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan.
According to reports, he was sent to 14 days of judicial custody even as the Times of India reported that he will be sent to Haryana for interrogation, the state where the headquarters of the Dera is coincidentally located in Sirsa.
The episode was aired late December last year, following which Sharda had to apologise to the supporters of the Dera as he clarified that his intention was not to hurt anyone’s feelings. "It's a coincidence, and it is unfortunate. I am sorry that people felt hurt," he had said.
With him being charged under section 295A, however, things took an ugly turn as he was arrested on Wednesday and social media erupted in outrage.
The irony seemed to be lost on many, meanwhile, that Dera leader Gurmeet Singh himself got into trouble earlier for allegedly impersonating the Guru Gobind Singh during a religious congregation.
As the Section 295A was hotly debated on the social media once again, Twitter found time to indulge in some humour and witticisms as everything from the show to Dera followers came in the line of fire.
Here’s a selection.
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