Raj HC quashes FIR against Bhansali after watching Padmaavat
JODHPUR: A Rajasthan high court judge on Tuesday quashed a First Information Report lodged against director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actors Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone after watching a special screening of the film Padmaavat.
Justice Sandeep Mehta was hearing a petition seeking quashing of the FIR against Bhansali; the FIRS had been filed under Sections 153 A and 295 A of the IPC last year before the film’s release.
“The first section deals with promoting disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities. But this is not the case. The second section deals with the crime of hurting religious sentiments. During the hearing, the counsel for the respondent admitted that Padmavati is not a religious icon, but a historical icon. Therefore, there is no question of religious feelings being hurt,” the judge observed while quashing the FIR.
Justice Mehta’s verdict came after he watched a special screening of Padmaavat in a private theatre on Monday night, under the watchful eyes of policemen. The judge not only appreciated the film but also pointed to the disclaimer that says it is a work of fiction. “This film also reflects our glorious past and the military strategy of Rani Padmavati. This is the story of the supreme sacrifice made by women,” he said.
“We told the court that the FIR is premature. The film not only depicts the bravery of Rajputana and Rajput community, it also portrays Padmavati as a courageous queen. The film was cleared by the Censor Board after scrutinising all aspects. Even the SC has stayed the Rajasthan government’s order prohibiting exhibition of the film in the state as it violated the freedom of expression,” said the petitioner’s counsel Ravi Bhansali.
The court also asked the state government to ensure compliance with the SC order of January 23 that asked all states to allow the film’s release and to maintain security during its screening.