Is sedition law only for Muslims?

Aligarh: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at actor Kangana Ranaut for describing India's independence in 1947 as 'bheek' and the government for not taking action against her.

In a video circulating online, Owaisi can be heard addressing a gathering in Aligarh, saying: "A mohtarma (madam) has received the highest civilian award. In an interview, she said India got Independence in 2014. Had a Muslim said what she said, UAPA would have been slapped on him. He would have been sent to jail after being shot in the knee."

In a 24-second clip shared widely, Ranaut says India's Independence in 1947 was not freedom but "bheek" (alms). "And we got real freedom in 2014," she said at an event organised by a news channel with some people in the audience heard clapping.

Owaisi said any Muslim would have been labelled a 'traitor'. "She is a queen and you are the king. Hence, you won't do anything," he said, taking a dig at the Queen actor and the government.

"Baba had threatened to charge people with sedition if anyone dared to comment on the India-Pakistan (T20 World Cup) match and sent to jail," he added, referring to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's warning to those celebrating Pakistan's win against India in the game on October 24. He then sought to know from the UP CM and Prime Minister Narendra Modi if Kangana Ranaut would be charged with sedition. "Is sedition only for Muslims?" Owaisi asked.

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal wrote to President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday urging him to withdraw Kangana Ranaut's Padma Shri for her comments.