PK row: Allahabad HC seeks Centre's response on PIL seeking ban on movie

Lucknow, Jan 5: The Allahabad High Court on Monday asked the Centre to file its response in a week on a petition seeking ban on Raj Kumar Hirani directed film 'PK'.

The Lucknow bench comprising justices Imtiyaz Murtaza and Rituraj Awasthi gave the direction on a petition filed by an outfit, Hindu Front For Justice.

The petitioners also sought a direction to quash U/ A certificate granted to the film by Censor Board. Petitioners counsel HS Jain alleged that there are derogatory remarks against Hindu Gods, Hindu beliefs, faith and worship in the movie.

"The Hindu way of worship has also been criticised in a most unwarranted manner," he alleged in the petition.

The central government counsel sought time to seek instructions from the government on the matter after which the court granted one week and directed to list this matter thereafter.

The portrayal of Hindu sentiments in the Hirani- directed film has faced the ire of right-wing organisations which say the movie disrespects Hindu religion. The UP government has decided to exempt it from entertainment tax.

PTI