Lucknow/New Delhi, July 1, 2025:
A fresh legal controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s political and religious circles after Akhilesh Yadav, President and Supremo of the Samajwadi Party (SP), was served a legal notice by Sanjay Sharma, a resident of Lucknow, over alleged defamatory remarks regarding religious leader Pandit Dhirendra Shastri and other kathavachaks.
Background of the Dispute
According to the legal notice, Mr. Yadav is accused of making public statements alleging that Pandit Dhirendra Shastri and other kathavachaks have accepted illegal or undisclosed payments (“under the table”) in connection with their religious discourses. The notice, sent via email to Mr. Yadav’s Lucknow and New Delhi addresses, demands that he supply within 15 days any evidence supporting these allegations.
Key Points from the Legal Notice
- Demand for Evidence:
Sharma, identifying himself as a Brahmin Hindu and an aggrieved party, has formally demanded that Akhilesh Yadav provide all documentary, electronic, or other forms of evidence substantiating the allegations within 15 days of receiving the notice.
- Allegations of Defamation:
The notice claims that Yadav’s statements have caused “serious reputational harm, mental distress, and public disrepute” to Sharma and others associated with the religious activities in question.
- Warning of Legal Action:
The notice warns that failure to provide evidence will be deemed as an admission of the allegations’ baselessness, and Sharma will be “constrained to initiate appropriate civil and/or criminal proceedings” for defamation and other offences.
Reactions and Implications
Legal experts note that such notices are a preliminary step before initiating formal defamation proceedings and are commonly used to demand retraction or substantiation of public allegations.
Next Steps
Mr. Yadav has 15 days to respond to the notice and provide the requested evidence. Failure to do so could result in civil or criminal proceedings being initiated by Sharma. The Samajwadi Party has not yet issued an official statement regarding the notice.
Contact Details
Sanjay Sharma, the complainant, can be reached at Mobile Number 9454461111,7991479999 or via email at sanjaysharmalko@icloud.com.
