A defamation suit was filed on Monday against Union Home Minister P Chidambaram for his 'saffron terrorism' remarks.
Swami Nijanand Tirth of Patan district has filed the complaint under IPC Sections 499 and 500 (defamation) in the court of metropolitan magistrate G C Gamit. Tirth has contended in his complaint that action should be taken against Chidambaram as he has "hurt" the sentiments of Hindu saints by using the term 'saffron terrorism'.
He said saffron colour is the symbol of Hindu religion and saints across the country wear attire of the same colour. Tirth also said saffron was symbol of peace, sacrifice and God and those trying to demean it should be punished. The court has admitted Tirth's complaint and would hear the case on September 6.
In his speech at a conference of police chiefs held in Delhi on August 25, Chidambaram had said "...there is the recently uncovered phenomenon of saffron terrorism that has been implicated in many bomb blasts of the past."