Eklavya's nomination to Oscar awards prima facie biased: HC

Mumbai, Sep 29 (UNI) Observing that prima facie, there was bias in the selection of 'Eklavya - The Royal Guard' as India's official entry to the Academy Awards, the Bombay High Court today directed the Film Federation of India (FFI) to respond before October 10 to filmmaker Bhavana Talwar's petition challenging the film's selection.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice D Y Chandrachud also clarified that ultimately official Oscar nomination would be subject to the outcome of the petition.

Ms Talwar, director of Pankaj Kapoor-starrer film 'Dharm', has moved the High Court after the FFI chose 'Eklavya' as the official entry to the Academy Awards, saying that her film was rejected by the official selectors despite receiving worldwide critical acclaim.

Ms Talwar, in her petition, has alleged that the entire selection process was biased and vitiated due to strong affiliation of certain members on the selection committee and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, producer of 'Eklavya'.

The petition will come up for further hearig on October 10.

UNI