Criminal Defamation Complaint Filed Against Preacher Dhirendra Shastri Over Controversial Remarks on Lord Krishna

AGRA – A legal battle is brewing for Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Krishna Shastri following a criminal defamation complaint registered against him in the Agra Civil Court. The lawsuit stems from remarks made by the preacher comparing Lord Ram and Lord Krishna during a religious discourse.

The Controversy

The controversy erupted out of a Ram Katha event held in Karera, located in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district. During the discourse, Shastri contrasted the postures and physical forms of the two deities. According to the legal complaint, Shastri reportedly remarked:

“Those who follow Krishna might feel bad, but Krishna is very crooked. Even when he stands, he is bent at three places.”

The comments drew immediate backlash from spiritual communities, saints of the Braj region, and various political figures, leading Shastri to issue a public video apology on November 2, stating he had no intention to insult any deity and that his remarks were part of a devotional expression.

Legal Action in Agra Court

Despite the apology, legal consequences have followed. An Advocate filed a formal criminal defamation complaint against Shastri in the Agra Civil Court.

• The Complainant’s Stance: The complainant argued that Lord Krishna incarnated in human form during the Dwapar Yuga and that his lineage continues through historical communities in India, such as the Jadoons, Jadejas, and Bhatis. Furthermore, Singh claimed direct descent from Lord Krishna through his maternal lineage.
• Allegations: The lawsuit contends that Shastri’s statements deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Lord Krishna’s descendants and severely damaged their social reputation.
• Judicial Proceedings: The matter came up for a preliminary hearing before Civil Judge Kanchan Kumar, who officially registered the complaint.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 14, 2026, where further arguments and proceedings will take place.

Broader Political Fallout

The legal development has also intersected with regional politics. The controversy drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, who questioned the rationale behind polarizing comparisons between revered deities and urged tighter scrutiny of controversial rhetoric. In response, ruling party representatives countered the political attacks, keeping the issue firmly in the public eye ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.