ALL INDIA DHOBI MAHASANGH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS is a writ petition, whereby directions are sought against the respondents, to intervene and restrain broadcast of the impugned TV commercial, which pertains to a washing powder product. The impugned commercial, according to the petitioners is intended to insult and humiliate the Dhobi caste and the community, as a whole.

(2.) THE petitioner no.1 claims to be a registered trust, which works for the development of the Dhobi community. It is averred in the petition that, in the NCT of Delhi, Dhobi has been declared a Scheduled Caste.

(3.) PETITIONER no.2 has averred that, so incensed was he, that on behalf of petitioner no.1 and on behalf of the entire community of which he claims to be a representative, a complaint was lodged with the Police Station, in Model Town, New Delhi under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (in short the 1989 Act). It is averred in the said complaint that, the use of the aforementioned expression being offensive, the offenders are liable to be prosecuted under Section 3(x) of the 1989 Act. In addition prosecution is also sought under the provisions of section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (in short IPC). The complaint, is admittedly, pending consideration.