Weighing in on the return of literary honours by writers across India, acclaimed novelist and poet Vikram Seth spoke with NDTV’s Barkha Datt on the possibility of adding his name to the list.

I will also return my award if Sahitya Akademi remains mealy mouthed.

— Vikram Seth

Seth’s response sparked criticism on social media which was quick to dig out news reports and a picture of Vikram Seth receiving an award from Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, who has continuously been accused for his alleged role in the 1985 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi.

Though the CBI has given Tytler a clean chit in the case, the family of the victims continue to pursue the matter in court. The allegations were enough for Congress to drop Tytler along with co-accused Sajjan Kumar from their list of nominees for the 1999 Lok Sabha elections.