Journalist Abhishek Upadhyay Served Legal Notice Over Alleged Caste Divide Narrative in UP

New Delhi: Journalist Abhishek Upadhyay has been served a legal notice over allegations of attempting to incite caste-based tensions, particularly between Brahmin and Kshatriya communities in Uttar Pradesh.

The notice has been sent by Brahmin Kshatriya Ekta Manch through Supreme Court advocate Reena N Singh. The complaint has been filed by the organization’s national convener Rajkumar Shukla, along with Ganesh Ballabh Dwivedi and advocate Saurabh Somvanshi.

According to the notice, Upadhyay is accused of uploading more than 20 controversial videos and thumbnails on his YouTube channel over the past month, allegedly using caste-indicative language to create division, resentment, and hostility between communities. The allegations include promoting negative narratives, inciting hatred between Brahmins and Kshatriyas, and attempting to disturb public order in the state.

The notice further claims that such actions violate Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. It also raises concerns over the misuse of freedom of expression, stating that press freedom does not grant the right to promote caste-based conflict.

The complaint references a recent controversial video featuring Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, shared on Upadhyay’s platform, in which remarks were made regarding actor-politician Ravi Kishan.

Additionally, the notice alleges violations of provisions under the Press Council of India Act, 1978, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Articles 19(1) and 19(2) of the Constitution, which govern freedom of speech and its reasonable restrictions.

The matter is now expected to proceed through legal channels as authorities and concerned parties review the allegations.