Dalit Human Rights Defender and Kannada film actor, Mr. Chetan Kumar, was arbitrarily arrested by Bengaluru police on March 21, 2023, for expressing his opinion on Hindutva in a tweet. The arrest followed a complaint filed by the Bajrang Dal's Bengaluru North unit, invoking IPC sections 505(2) and 295(A). The actor, known for his activism, had previously been illegally arrested in February 2022 for his tweets.

The arrest is viewed as reprisal against Mr. Kumar for his activism and freedom of expression. The charges of creating enmity between classes and outraging religious feelings appear unfounded. The incident raises concerns about the misuse of law to curb fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression, protected under Article 19(a) of the Indian Constitution and international human rights frameworks.

HRDA urges the NHRC to:

1. Intervene in the relevant court to quash the false charges against Mr. Chetan Kumar, emphasizing the right to freedom of speech and expression.
2. Direct the Director General of Police of Karnataka to ensure the physical security of Mr. Kumar, preventing further harassment by the police.
3. The appeal urges the National Human Rights Commission to uphold Mr. Kumar's fundamental rights and intervene against potential misuse of legal provisions to restrict freedom of expression and activism.