Major Ravi gets legal notice over remarks on Jantar Mantar protesters

Kochi: Filmmaker and BJP leader Major Ravi has been served a legal notice over allegedly defamatory remarks he made about students participating in the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The notice was sent by Supreme Court lawyer Vineeth S Varkalavila on behalf of a Class 12 student who took part in the protest.

The notice alleges that in a Facebook Live video posted on his official Facebook page, Major Ravi claimed that students participating in the protest did not even know the full form of CBSE. He also allegedly claimed that inappropriate activities were taking place at the protest site at night and that some students were attending the protest for free food and alcohol. He reportedly further alleged that no well-mannered boys or girls would take part in such a protest.

According to the legal notice, the remarks were directed at minors below the age of 18 without any factual basis. It said the comments had harmed the students' dignity, reputation and mental well-being. The notice also warned that civil and criminal proceedings, as well as action under the POCSO Act, would be initiated.

The notice has demanded the immediate removal of the Facebook Live video and related content from Facebook and other social media platforms. It also called for an unconditional public apology through the same Facebook account and other platforms, along with a withdrawal of all allegations made against the students.

The notice further seeks Rs 10 lakh in compensation. It warned that if the demands are not met within five days of receiving the notice, legal proceedings will be initiated under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable laws.

In an earlier Facebook Live, Major Ravi had also alleged that the protest was backed by a foreign conspiracy. He claimed that the celebrities from Kerala and elsewhere were attending the protest to appear on television.