Balmoor Venkat Narsing Rao, a member of the Telangana Legislative Council belonging to the Congress party, has complained to Manchu Vishnu, the MAA President, against actor Srikanth Iyengar. Recently, Iyengar made certain objectionable remarks on Mahatma Gandhi.
As per media reports, the MAA will "take serious action" against Iyengar, who was most recently seen in a prominent role in the film, Ari. If Manchu Vishnu and Siva Balaji (the MAA Treasurer) were to have their way, the actor would lose his membership of the MAA.
Since the complainant belongs to the ruling party, it is possible that the MAA will not ignore the complaint.
The debate about the appropriateness of action against someone's speech remains. Srikanth Iyengar hasn't said anything illegal. His Freedom of Expression is protected under the Constitution of India. The MAA is duty-bound to uphold constitutional values. If Iyengar is fired from the MAA, technically, he will have legal recourse. However, will he muster the courage to approach the court against a key body belonging to an industry where he gets his work?
