Bangla Groups Drag KM Birla Into Legal Tussle

An attack on the dignity of the Bengali community is an attack on its rich heritage, resili-ence, and unity. We stand resolute in seeking justice - Amritlal Das, General Secretary, Sara Asom Bangali Oikyomancha, tells Bizz Buzz

Mumbai: In a significant legal development, prominent Bengali organisations, Sara Asom Bangali Oikyo-mancha and Jatir Katha, have issued a legal notice to industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, owner of Applause Entertainment, over alleged defamatory content targeting the Bengali community in the second season of the popular series Undekhi.

The complainants highlighted the significant contributions of the Bengali community to the growth of the Birla business empire, particularly during its early years in Bengal. They called the defamatory depiction a betrayal of this legacy.

Talking to Bizz Buzz, Amritlal Das, General Secretary, Sara Asom Bangali Oikyomancha says, “An attack on the dignity of the Bengali community is an attack on its rich heritage, resilience, and unity. We stand resolute in seeking justice.”

The notice outlines three primary demands: an unconditional public apology from Kumar Man-galam Birla and Applause Entertainment for the defamatory content, immediate removal of the objectionable material from Undekhi Season-2 with assurances against similar depictions in future productions, and compensation for the mental anguish and reputational damage caused to the Bengali community.

Failure to comply within seven days will result in legal action, including civil suits for damages and criminal proceedings. The notice underscores legal and cultural violations, stating that the content injures the reputation of the Bengali community, exposes it to hatred and ridicule, incites animosity, and fosters social disharmony. It further accuses the show of disrespecting the dignity and identity of a culturally rich and historically significant community. The complainants argue that such actions contravene sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 499 and 500 (Defamation) and Sections 153A and 295A (Promoting Enmity and Insulting Cultural Beliefs).

The controversy has sparked debates over the responsibilities of content creators in addressing sensitive cultural and community issues. With growing awareness of cultural representation in media, this case may set a precedent for holding producers accountable for portrayals that offend or defame communities. Representatives of Applause Entertainment and Kumar Mangalam Birla have yet to respond to the notice. As the deadline approaches, all eyes remain on how the industrialist and his enter-tainment company will address the matter.

Jyotirmay Bhattacharyya, President, Jatir Katha, Kolkata said: “The Bengali identity is woven with threads of culture and pride; no act of defamation can tarnish its glory or silence its voice.”

Adv Nripendra Krishna Roy, Lawyer, Calcutta High Court said: “The scales of justice don’t weigh wealth or power, but only truth and fairness. No individual or entity, howsoever influen-tial, is above law. Defaming an entire community is a grave offence and law must deliver due jus-tice to the aggrieved. Equality before the law is the foundation of our democracy, and it shall prevail.”