Congress leader Abbas Hafeez sends legal notice to Kareena Kapoor Khan over Instagram post

A controversy has erupted over an Instagram post by actor Kareena Kapoor Khan. Congress leader Abbas Hafeez has sent the actor a legal notice through his lawyer, Zafar, via a Bhopal court.

Hafeez said the jewellery Kareena wears in the post includes a pendant and a kalgi (turban ornament). Both are part of the heritage of the Bhopal princely state and its royal family. He said he has no objection to her wearing the kalgi or the attire.

His objection is to the pendant. According to Hafeez, the pendant is about 400 years old and has verses of the holy Quran engraved on it. He said it was made by the Begums of Bhopal, Shah Jahan Begum and Sultan Jahan Begum, for their faith and worship. It was not meant as a fashion statement or for display.

He said verses of the Quran are held in great respect in the Muslim community, and people do not even touch them without performing wazu (ritual ablution). According to him, ulema have also long advised against using the Quran as jewellery. He said that displaying an object of faith by wearing it in this way is objectionable and has hurt religious sentiments.

In the notice, he has demanded that Kareena Kapoor immediately delete the post in question, apologise, and take care in future not to hurt anyone's religious sentiments.

Hafeez also made clear that he has not taken this step in the name of any political party or post. He said it is a personal matter linked to the faith of the Muslim community. If the post is not removed and no apology is made, he will take further legal action after consulting his lawyer.