Had No Intention To Hurt Sentiments: Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje Tells Court On Remarks Linking Rameswaram Café Bombers To Tamil Nadu

The allegation against Shobha is that in March 2024, after the blasts in Rameshwaram café, she allegedly said, “People trained in Tamil Nadu plant bombs here. Bomb was planted at the hotel.” Following this, one Thiagarajan, a resident of Madurai, lodged a complaint stating that the alleged remark was intended to create enmity and hatred among Tamils and Kannadigas.

When the matter was heard by Justice G Jayachandran on Wednesday, Senior Advocate Aruna Shyam, appearing for Karandlaje, informed the court that there was no intention to hurt the sentiments. He also informed the court that a draft affidavit apologizing for the comments has already been prepared and the same would be filed soon. He also submitted that Karandlaje had already apologized publicly on social media platforms.

Karandlaje's counsel also informed the court that apart from filing an affidavit apologizing for the comments, Karandlaje would also contest the case on merits. It was submitted that to attract the offenses alleged against Karandlaje, “intention” was paramount which was absent in the present case. It should be noted that Karandlaje has been charged under Sections 153, 153(A), 505(1)(b) and 505(2) of the IPC.

The court had previously questioned Karandlaje on her statements and had asked how the Minister could link the blasts with the people of Tamil Nadu even before the National Investigation Agency conducted its searches. The court had also remarked that people in power should be more conscious while making statements.

The State had also informed the court that it would not object to the quashing of proceedings if Karandlaje held a press conference apologizing for her remarks and stating that she had high regard for the people of the State. A draft apology was also shared by the State in this regard. However, Karandlaje later informed the court that she had some reservations about the draft apology shared by the State.

Case Title: Shobha Karandlaje v State

Case No: Crl OP (MD) 9875 of 2024