Former VHP Leader RBVS Manian Remanded To 14-Day Judicial Custody for Remarks on BR Ambedkar

Former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader RBVS Manian has been remanded to judicial custody until September 27 by a sessions court in Chennai. He faced allegations of making derogatory comments about B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, and Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar.

Appearing before Principal Judge S Alli on Thursday, Manian claimed that his speech had been misunderstood and went viral on social media. He also cited health complications, including a urinary tract infection and high blood pressure.

Manian's counsel, R C Paul Kanagaraj, requested permission for his client's medical treatment at a private hospital due to his advanced age and health issues. The judge, however, sent Manian to judicial custody for 14 days until September 27 and stated that the request would be considered.

The T Nagar police had filed a case against Manian under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Indian Penal Code. The charges included causing a disturbance to public tranquility and creating hatred between two groups. The case was initiated after a VCK functionary filed a complaint.

Manian had allegedly made derogatory remarks about Ambedkar and Thiruvalluvar during an event in T-Nagar where he praised Sanatana Dharma.

Manian was arrested at his residence in Chennai's T Nagar area and subsequently presented before the principal sessions court in Chennai.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University