Dawn Images

It seems like Hrithik Roshan's legal troubles are far from over.

The actor may have thought that he was being funny when he tweeted that he was "more likely to be dating the Pope" than any of the actresses the media had been linking him up with recently.

However, the wisecrack has landed the actor in hot water; Roshan was served a legal notice by Abraham Mathai, the former vice chairman of the State Minorities Commission. Mathai is also the president of Indian Christian Voice and has accused Hrithik for hurting the sentiments of the Christian community with his careless remark.

Also read: Did Hrithik Roshan propose to Kangana Ranaut?

Mathai’s lawyer Rizwan Siddiquee said the notice has been sent to the 42-year-old actor under the provision of Section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code asking the actor to apologize in seven days; if not, a criminal complaint will follow.

The notice also said that by making such a statement on a public platform, Hrithik has not only wilfully challenged the chastity of the respected Pope but has also shown him in poor light.

“Thus malafidely, mischievously and intentionally outraged the religious feelings and insulted the religious beliefs of Romans Catholics all over the world who consider the Pope to be absolutely chaste as their spiritual and religious leader,” the notice read.

In an interview with Scroll India, Mathai stated, “Hrithik Roshan has the right to have a relationship with anyone, but he doesn’t have the right to draw in the pope. This has unfortunate inferences – it suggests that the pope is gay. I’ve asked Roshan for an unconditional apology. It hurts the Catholic community for whom the pope is a revered personality.”

Tsk tsk, when will you learn, Hrithik?