Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has issued a defamation notice to anchor Arnab Goswami and the Times Now channel, seeking Rs 500 crore as compensation.
The notice issued by Naik’s advocate Mubin Solkar, alleges that the statements made by Goswami during his show “The News Hour” were of malicious intent.
“My client states that without verifying facts and without having any positive and/or cogent evidence in support, you have recklessly and callously, with deliberate and malicious intention made and published on the television the aforesaid false, defamatory and damaging remarks against my client, which have severely harmed my client’s impeccable reputation,” the notice read.
Goswami has been asked to withdraw his statements and to give an unconditional apology, along with Rs 500 crore in compensation.
The notice highlights the following comments made by Goswami at The News Hour.
“He is not a scholar, No, No, No, he is not a scholar, no, no one second, he is not a scholar, he is not a scholar. He is Mr. Money bags. He makes lots of money. He makes some lot of money spreading hate.”
“… He is not a scholar, he is a supporter of Osama bin Laden, he used the medium of television to build the case for Osama bin Laden.”
“… Zakir Naik is so dangerous, he is so dangerous, because he uses the television media.”
“… He is using the garb of Quran to defend violence, the ISIS has carried out the attack in Dhaka and this man is defending Osama bin Laden and building a case for them.”
“… He is an agent of terror.”
There have been several allegations about how Naik’s public speeches are inspiring certain individuals to turn to terrorism. However, the religious preacher has denied them saying that his statements are taken in wrong context and that he has never supported terrorism.
