HC issue notices to Censor and Sony Picture: Da Vinci case

Mumbai, May 18: The Bombay High Court today has issued notices to Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Sharmila Tagore and Mr Uday Singh, Head of Sony Pictures, to file a reply by tomorrow in response to a petition filed against clearance of the film 'Da Vinci Code'.

Vacation Judge H G Rohee adjourned the hearing till tomorrow, hearing the petition of social activist Joseph Dias seeking a ban on the film on the grounds that it hurts the religious sentiments of over 25 millions Catholics across the world.

Advocate Pradip Havnur, arguing on behalf of the petitioner, contended the court that the religious thriller was blasphemous and offended Christ and the Church he founded.

The court was told that Dias had earlier lodged a compliant against Ms Tagore and Uday Sinh, in-charge of the Sony Pictures, with the Vakola police station under section 295(A) (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs). However, the police did not take any action against them.

The court was also informed that Union Minister of Minorities Affairs A R Antulay had written a letter to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on May 5 requesting the contentions of the petitioner that the views of Catholics be considered before releasing the film. Also, the CBFC had earlier assured that it would include experts on Christianity while screening the film, this had not been done.

Dias told reporter later that the issue was not only derogatory to Christianity but also hurts the religious sentiments of Muslims across the country.

While the film has already been banned in other countries like Jordan, Korea and Lebanon, over 25 million Catholics across the globe have agitated against the film and over 5,000 Catholics have signed on a signature campaign undertaken challenging the release of the film, he added.

The film explores the theme that Jesus has living descendants.

According to Dias, the Bible does not speak about Jesus' getting married to Mary Magdalene. He never married Mary or had children from her, which is a historically documented fact.

UNI