Prayagraj: A criminal case has been filed in a Prayagraj court against Rajesh Ranjan, alias Pappu Yadav, the independent MP from Purnia. The court of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Room No. 10, Prayagraj, has taken prima facie cognizance of a complaint filed by Sushil Kumar Mishra, a High Court advocate and state co-ordinator of the BJP’s legal department, and issued a notice to the MP. The court has ordered him to appear before it on August 11, 2026.
According to the complainant, during a protest in front of the Parliament House complex regarding the alleged theft of donations related to the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, MP Pappu Yadav dressed up as a saint and performed a symbolic act. It is alleged that this demonstration depicted a scene of donation theft, which hurt the religious sentiments of Sanatan Dharma, saints, priests, and the Hindu community. The complaint filed in court alleged that religious symbols and traditional garb of saints and sages were used for political purposes during the demonstration. The complainant described this as a fabricated performance, stating that such demonstrations have the potential to incite religious hatred and tension in society.
Serious charges: Based on the complaint, the court has taken cognizance of the case under sections 318(4), 338, 196, 298, 299, and 356 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). However, final charges and convictions under these sections will be determined only after the evidence and judicial process. Sushil Kumar Mishra stated in court that the alleged theft of donations from the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya was the basis for a dramatization in the Parliament complex, portraying saints and temple priests in a derogatory light. He alleged that this act was intended to offend the sentiments of Sanatan Dharma and Hindu society. The complainant requested the court summon MP Pappu Yadav and take legal action based on the evidence presented against him. After hearing the complaint, the court directed the MP to appear on the scheduled date.
The protest took place in the Parliament complex: The matter relates to a symbolic street play performed by opposition MPs in the Parliament complex to protest alleged irregularities related to donations for the Ayodhya Ram Temple. According to media reports, Pappu Yadav, dressed in saffron robes, impersonated a temple priest and pretended to withdraw money from a donation box. Opposition leaders described the protest as a symbolic protest against alleged irregularities related to temple donations. Religious leaders and some organizations objected to this demonstration. In Varanasi, reports emerged of complaints and lawsuits being filed against some opposition leaders, including Pappu Yadav, for hurting religious sentiments and promoting animosity between different groups.
BJP leader alleges: BJP leader Sushil Kumar Mishra alleged that saffron robes, the attire of saints and sages, and religious symbols were allegedly used inappropriately during the protest. He said that everyone has the right to democratic protest, but no one has the right to insult any religion, religious tradition, or the saintly community. He said that video, photographs, and other documentary evidence available in the case have been presented to the court. Based on this evidence, judicial action has been sought against the MP.
Political turmoil increased after the court order: The matter has also become politically charged after the court issued an order for appearance on August 11. BJP leaders have called it a serious case of insult to religious sentiments, while the opposition has yet to officially respond to the Prayagraj case. According to legal experts, the court taking cognizance does not necessarily mean the accused has been found guilty. The MP will have the opportunity to appear in court and present his or her case. The court will then determine the next course of action based on the available evidence, the complaint, and the arguments of the parties involved.
