HC refuses again to stay release of 'The Da Vinci Code'

Mumbai, May 25 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today again refused to stay the release of the controversial English movie 'The Da Vinci Code' in India and denied the relief sought by the petitioner.

Vacation Judge A S Bagga allowed the petitioner, Joseph Dias, to seek permission from the State as well as Central Governments to take action against the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and Sony Pictures for the release of the film.

Senior Counsel Y R Mishra, arguing on behalf of the CBFC, contended that no action could be taken u/s 295(A) (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the Indian Penal Code as it requires sanction by the government u/s 196 of Criminal Procedure Code and therefore, stay would not be granted for releasing the film.

He also argued that the film had nothing to do with the historical facts of the Christian community and based on that CBFC had agreed to grant the film 'A' Certificate.

Senior Counsel K G Menon, arguing on behalf of Sony Pictures, strongly opposed the petition and held that it was filed with malafied intentions with a view to obstruct the screening of the film.

Earlier Advocate Pradeep Hanvur, appearing on behalf of Dias, had suggested to the court to view the film before reaching any conclusion. The same was turned down by the court for lack of time.

Earlier, the petitioner, a social activist, had sought a ban on the film stating that the release of the film would hurt the religious sentiments of over 25 millions Catholics across the world.

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