Make a Docu on Quran and See What Will Happen: Allahabad HC While Hearing PIL on ‘Adipurush'
The Wire Staff
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New Delhi: After suggesting on Tuesday that Hindus react gently to films with alleged objectionable portrayals of religious figures, the Allahabad high court on Wednesday, June 28, told the makers of Adipurush that if a short documentary on the Quran depicts "wrong things", "then you will see what will happen".
The high court is hearing two public interest litigations (PILs) pleas filed against the movie, which is based on the Ramayana. The film has come under fire for its dialogues and for departing from the mythology of Ramayana.
On Tuesday, the court said, "The one who is gentle should be suppressed? Is it so? It is good that [the film] is about a religion, the believers of which did not create any public order problem. We should be thankful. We should be thankful. We saw in the news that some people had gone to cinema halls (where the movie was being shown) and they only forced them to close the hall, they could have done something else as well."
On Wednesday, the bench of Justices Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Shree Prakash Singh continued to hear the petitions. In oral observations, one of the judges said, according to LiveLaw:
"If we will shut our mouths today then you know what will happen? These incidents are increasing day by day. I saw a movie wherein Lord Shankar was shown running with his Trishul in a very funny manner. Now, these things will be showcased?...The filmmakers earn money as films do business.
Suppose if you make even a short documentary on the Quran, depicting wrong things, then you will see what will happen...However, I may once again clarify that it is not about any one religion. It is by chance that this issue is concerned with Ramayana, otherwise Court belongs to all religions."
The court directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to submit their personal affidavits, adding that "certifying this movie was a blunder and that it has hurt the sentiments of the people", according to LiveLaw.
According to the report, the bench questioned the "psyche" of the makers of Adipurush. They said:
"You should not touch Quran, Bible and other sacred texts. We may make it clear that it is not about any one religion. But you should not depict any religion in a bad light. The court has no religion of its own. Our only concern is that the law and order situation should be maintained."
This article went live on June twenty-eighth, two thousand twenty three, at fifteen minutes past five in the evening.The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.