New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued a stay on the release of Annu Kapoor’s film “Hamare Baarah,” which was slated for release on June 14, following complaints that the movie contains content offensive to the Islamic faith and married Muslim women.
A vacation bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta noted the arguments presented by lawyer Fauzia Shakil, representing petitioner Azhar Basha Tamboli, and urged the Bombay High Court to expedite its decision on the matter.
Contentious Dialogues and Legal Proceedings
“We reviewed the movie trailer this morning and found that the contentious dialogues persist,” the bench remarked, leading to the suspension of the film’s release. This order will remain in effect until the Bombay High Court resolves the pending petition.
Petitioner’s Arguments
Shakil criticized the high court for lifting the initial stay on the film’s release, arguing that it was done through an “unreasoned order.” She contended that the high court’s instruction for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to form a committee was inappropriate, given the CBFC’s vested interest in the case.
Supreme Court’s Clarification
The Supreme Court clarified that all objections, including those concerning the high court’s directive to the CBFC, are open for further consideration by the high court. The film, which is already banned in Karnataka, was originally set to premiere on June 14.
Impact on Release and Next Steps
The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the significant concerns raised by the petitioner and highlights the judiciary’s role in addressing potential religious and social sensitivities in media. The Bombay High Court is now tasked with a thorough examination of the objections and the appropriateness of the CBFC’s involvement.
The delay in the release of “Hamare Baarah” reflects ongoing tensions between creative expression and societal values, with the legal system playing a crucial role in balancing these interests.
As the case progresses, the film industry and audiences alike await the high court’s decision, which will determine the future of the movie’s release and its reception among diverse communities.
