Lucknow, Jun 23 (IANS): A case was registered in Kanpur and Lucknow courts on Thursday against Bollywood actor Salman Khan for his recent statement that "he felt like a raped woman" while shooting for his forthcoming flick "Sultan" slated to release on Eid next month.

Social activist Rafat Jamaal, in a petition filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Lucknow has asked for legal action against the actor for the statement which showed "disrespect to rape victims" and also "revived the ugly memories of such heinous crimes".

The CJM has asked the petitioner by the end of the day to prove why and how is the matter tenable to the court in Lucknow. In a related development, a lawyer Manoj Kumar Dixit has filed a petition in the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) IIIrd's court in Kanpur seeking action against the actor.

"Freedom of expression in the country does not allow sentiments to be hurt in this manner" the lawyer told IANS while explaining the reason behind filing the case.

The court has ordered the testimony of the petitioner be recorded on July 14.

Salman Khan had irked his fans and people across the country by a statement, given in response to a question by a reporter on how he felt doing the strenuous shooting of Sultan, where he plays a wrestler.

Khan responded by saying that "he felt like a raped woman...he could barely stand straight after the shoot."

The statement invited sharp rebuke on social media and his father, writer Salim Khan soon apologised on behalf of his son and admitted that the statement was in bad taste.