The YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh has taken legal action against actor and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, filing a criminal case in the Guntur district court over his criticism of the volunteer system in the state. Notices were served to Pawan Kalyan on Sunday, February 18th, instructing him to appear before the court on March 25th. This move stems from Kalyan’s remarks during a public rally in Eluru on July 9th, 2023, where he alleged that village volunteers were involved in aiding anti-social elements, particularly in women-trafficking activities. Acting on the state government’s directive issued on July 20th, 2023, public prosecutors sought legal action against Pawan Kalyan.
The case against Kalyan, registered under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), alleging criminal defamation, has been assigned to the 4th Additional District Court Judge Sharath Babu. If found guilty, Kalyan could face up to two years’ imprisonment. Jana Sena’s legal cell general secretary and high court advocate Koteswar Rao has raised questions about the government’s grounds for filing the case, highlighting the absence of evidence proving the falsehood of Kalyan’s remarks.