Updated: November 21, 2020 2:12:05 pm
Akshay Kumar had issued a defamation notice against Siddiquee on November 17 seeking damages of Rs 500 million for making “false and unsubstantiated accusations” against him in the Rajput death case. (Photo: Akshay Kumar / Instagram)
YouTuber Rashid Siddiquee has objected to the defamation notice issued against him by actor Akshay Kumar in connection with the death case of Sushant Singh Rajput and refused to pay Rs 500 crore damages requested by the star, saying there was nothing defamatory about his videos.
Siddiquee has also urged Akshay Kumar to withdraw the notification, otherwise it would initiate “appropriate legal proceedings” against the actor.
Kumar had issued a defamation notice against Siddiquee on 17 November seeking 500 million rupees in damages for making “false and unsubstantiated accusations” against him in the Rajput death case.
Kumar, in the notice sent through the IC Legal law firm, said that Siddiquee on his YouTube channel FF News has posted several “libelous, slanderous and derogatory” videos.
Siddiquee, in his response sent through his defender JP Jayswal on Friday, said that the allegations made by Akshay Kumar were “false, vexatious and oppressive and are brought up with the intention of harassing him.”
He added that after the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, several independent reporters, including Siddiquee, covered the news as many influential people were involved and other prominent media channels did not provide correct information.
The response further stated that every Indian citizen has the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
He added that content uploaded by Siddiquee cannot be considered defamatory and must be treated as points of view with objectivity.
“The news reported by Siddiquee was already in the public domain and he (Siddiquee) has relied on other news channels as sources,” the reply said.
In addition, he questioned the delay in the defamation notice sent and said that the videos were uploaded in August 2020.
“The 500 million rupees damages are absurd and unjustified and are done with the intention of putting pressure on Siddiquee,” the reply said.
Siddiquee asked Kumar to withdraw the notice and said that if it was not done, he would initiate the corresponding legal proceedings.
The Bihar YouTuber further claimed that the actor was selectively targeting him.
“Akshay Kumar faced severe backlash after interviewing an influential politician, with thousands of people making personal comments against him on various YouTube videos and websites. Surprisingly, Kumar has not taken any action in this regard, however, he has selectively chosen Siddiquee to bear the blame for the defamation, ”the reply said.
Mumbai police have also brought a case against Siddiquee on charges of defamation, public mischief and willful insult for his charges against the Mumbai police, the Maharashtra government, and Minister Aaditya Thackeray.
Siddiquee received advance bond from a local court here on November 3, which ordered him to cooperate in the investigation.
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