Movie Haider against national interest? Know why Allahabad HC issued notice to Censor Board

Lucknow, Oct 15 (PTI) The Allahabad High Court today issued notice to makers of the film 'Haider' and Censor Board on a PIL seeking direction to restrain exhibiting of the movie in any cinema hall or through any other means on the grounds that it was against national interest.

The order was passed by the Lucknow bench of the court comprising justices V K Shukla and B K Srivastava on the PIL filed by Hindu Front for Justice, a group of local lawyers. The court issued notice to Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Vishal Bhardwaj Pictures Pvt Ltd, director and producer Vishal Bhardwaj, co-producer Siddharth Roy Kapur and co-writer Basharat Peer to file their reply to the allegations made by the petitioner in four weeks.

Union of India through Secretary Information and Broadcasting, UP government through principal secretary (home), Board of Film Certification, Vishal Bhardwaj Pictures Private Ltd, director, producer and script writer Vishal Bhardwaj, the co-producer, the co-writer, actors Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor and District Magistrate Lucknow have been made the opposite party in the PIL.

The petitioners alleged that Haider harmed the sovereignty, integrity and unity of India and no film could be displayed which harms national interest. They alleged that religious feelings of Hindus have been hurt as Shahid Kapoor and his associates were seen dancing with footwear at the Martand Sun Temple in the song 'Bismil'. The petition also alleged that the film has been picturised in a manner as if the Indian Army has committed atrocities on Kashmiris. The petitioners have requested the court to issue directions quashing the order granting certificate for exhibiting the film.

They also urged the court to issue directions commanding the central and the state government to initiate appropriate criminal proceeding against the director, producers, script writers and actors, who they alleged were liable for committing the acts of sedition. The court directed that the case be listed after four weeks.

PTI