Mysuru: The Mysuru and Chamarajanagar District Vokkaligara Sangha has strongly condemned the use of abusive language against former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Prathap Simha by certain individuals with vested interests.

In a press release, Sangha General Secretary M.E. Chetan said that if such unconstitutional language and insults against Prathap Simha did not stop, the Sangha would be compelled to launch a protest.

The statement said certain people had publicly used vulgar language and made personal insults and defamatory remarks against Prathap Simha, describing the conduct as reprehensible. It also expressed concern over a case of caste-based abuse registered against him in T. Narasipur.

The Sangha said laws preventing caste-based humiliation, discrimination and atrocities were important for society. However, it said, misusing such laws for political gain would not bring dignity to anyone.

“Genuine victims of caste atrocities must receive legal protection & such protection should never be weakened. At the same time, fair & lawful scrutiny must ensure that these laws are not misused,” it said.

The Sangha said that in a democracy, every individual had the right to express political or social opinions and differences of opinion were natural. However, personal insults, abusive language, threats and unparliamentary behaviour should not be permitted.

It said allegations or criticism against any public figure should be expressed through lawful and constitutional means. Derogatory language that damage a person’s dignity on public platforms, including social media, could create unnecessary tension in society.