Former royals have a grouse: SC ignored objections on content

JAIPUR: Does freedom of expression include the permission to make a fictitious story that uses and commercially exploits the names of real persons who have led heroic lives, places and events? VISHVRAJ SINGH, Udaipur Royal

The erstwhile royal family of Mewar has said that while the Supreme Court has clarified that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has the authority to decide which film is to be released, “it has ignored the objections regarding the contents of the film and the questionable procedure adopted by the CBFC.”

A letter released by Vishvaraj Singh of Udaipur and his sister Baijiraj Trivikrama Kumari Jamwal stated, “Proceedings regarding the film have reportedly already been filed in courts of Rajasthan, Allahabad and in Lucknow. Can the SC ignore such proceedings and hear the matter or should it amalgamate all cases related to the film and hear them together? Secondly...does freedom of expression include the permission to make a fictitious story that uses and commercially exploits the names of real persons who have led heroic lives, places and events?”

The letter further states that “the movie has consistently been promoted as a historical film and the names of Maharani Padmini, Maharawal Ratan Singh, and Allah ud din Khilji used in such promotions. These are all persons who existed in our history.”

The letter states that it was only in the last few weeks when claims of historical accuracy were questioned that the filmmakers stated that the film is a work of fiction and draws from the Sufi poet Malik Mohammed Jayasi’s poem Padmavat.

“Misleading the public and the intention to commercially exploit the names and reputation of historical personages is apparent. Court proceedings regarding the film were in progress in Lucknow for which the chairman of the CBFC, Prasoon Joshi has reportedly received notices of contempt.”

“He has ignored court proceedings but has found the time to certify the film,” the letter states.

“Also, the Sufi poem ‘Padmavat’ was for limited circulation and not released commercially by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. Have the filmmakers taken the permission of the descendants of the family of Ratan Singh, Padmini and those of Jayasi and Alauddin Khilji (if present) to commercially exploit these historical personages and the poem,” the letter states.