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.
Actor Kiku Sharda has been sent to 14 days of judicial custody for mimicking Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 13, 2016
I am really very very sorry, says Actor Kiku Sharda after being arrested for mimicking Baba Ram Rahim Singh. pic.twitter.com/ebB19t08fH
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 13, 2016
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.
Interesting day ..... My profession allows me to be different people . Love it. pic.twitter.com/11Gur4Wihz
— kiku sharda (@kikusharda) December 12, 2015
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.
Doston the act on TV was not to hurt anyone's feelings. My apologies to @Gurmeetramrahim ji and his followers. Let's spread happiness. 🙏
— kiku sharda (@kikusharda) December 28, 2015
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.
Time for Baba Ramdev to file a case on Baba Ram Rahim for mimicking him... #KikuSharda @RoflGandhi_ pic.twitter.com/0vB0dUUQAA
— Aashutosh Mishra (@aashutosh_mi) January 13, 2016
If Anil Kapoor and Baba Rahim hugged each other, the friction will generate a velcro effect.
— A La Vile De Satara (@AdvancedMaushi) January 13, 2016
Although I don't like him, I will suggest Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insaan to call himself Baba Santa Banta pic.twitter.com/z7N9MdamAw
— Eminent Intellectual (@padhalikha) January 13, 2016
I never made a funny tweet about Saint Baba Gurumeet Ram Rahim Singhji Insaan on Twitter because by the time you type so much the 140 charac
— Sagarcasm (@sagarcasm) January 13, 2016
Palak of "Comedy Nights with Kapil" is arrested for mimicking Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Now he should mimic Sanjay Dutt and get a bail.
— Rahul Raj (@bhak_sala) January 13, 2016
Kiku Sharda has been sent to jail for mocking someone? What non sense? Remove these draconian laws. Introduce right to offend!!!
— Anuj Singhal (@_anujsinghal) January 13, 2016
Why not put Baba for making such a bad movie? Kiku Sharda is the best entertainer! Shame on Indian judiciary... https://t.co/OPnDjly8OQ
— Geet Shrivastava (@ArchieTheRave) January 13, 2016
Section 295A needs to go. Or modified. Or something. It gives every religious group ammo to go after anyone.
— Tanmay Bhat (@thetanmay) January 13, 2016
Why did Baba Ram Rahim Gurmeet Singh Insaan get someone arrested for mimicking him? Because, he wanted to get the MSG across.
— Sanjay (@oothikicha) January 13, 2016
.@Gurmeetramrahim Sir I’d like to place you under arrest - your arm hair made me permanently averse to Maggi.
— Mihir Fadnavis (@mihirfadnavis) January 13, 2016
मज़ाक़ का भी मज़ाक़ उड़ाने की सज़ा?
— maithun (@Being_Humor) January 13, 2016
These are the "Babas" of our times. Selling themselves as action heroes, while getting comedians put behind bars. This is "Ghor Kalyug"!
— रanviर_ डhoरeय_ (@RanvirShorey) January 13, 2016