HC refuse to stay release of 'The Da Vinci Code'

Mumbai, May 19 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today refused to grant a stay on the release of the controversial English movie 'The Da Vinci Code' in response to a petition filed against its clearance by the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for release in India.

Vacation Judge K J Rohee, in his order, held that since the Censor Board had not granted any certification to release the film, the petition is premature and does not deserve any relief. He, however, adjourned the case for further hearing after the vacation when the courts will resume sittings in June.

Senior Counsel K G Menon, arguing on behalf of Sony Pictures, strongly opposed the admission of the petition and held that it was filed with malafide intentions to obstruct the screening of the film. He also contended that the film is scheduled to release in 38 countries in the next week and most of them are Christian-dominated nations.

While those nations have not raised objection, a large number of Christian representatives have viewed the film and okayed it, including the representatives of the Apex Catholic Bishop Confederations of India, he contended.

Advocate Y R Mishra, appearing on behalf of Censor Board, also opposed the petition contending that they had received the court's notice late yesterday evening, asking Chairperson Sharmila Tagore to file a reply in this regard. He expressed his inability to file an affidavit and said that so far the Board has not granted any certificate to them but intended to grant one soon. He also said that the film had nothing to do with the historical facts of the Christian community and based on that the Board has agreed to grant them 'A' Certificate.

Meanwhile, Advocate Pradeep Hanvur, appearing on behalf of the petitioner, cited judgements of the apex court supporting his argument and also suggested to the court it view the film before reaching any conclusion. The same was turned down by the court for lack of time.

Petitioner Jseph Dias, an social activist, had sought a ban on the film, claiming that it hurts the religious sentiments of over 25 millions Catholics across the world.

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

The court was also told that Dias had earlier lodged a compliant against Tagore and Uday Sinh, in-charge of 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 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.

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