INTERNATIONAL HINDU SENA THRO PRESIDENT GUJARAT STATE PRAKESHBHAI SUNDARSINH RAJPUT Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this Writ Petition (PIL) filed by the petitioner, who claims to be the President of International Hindu Sena, Gujarat State, and a social worker, the prayer is to issue appropriate writ, order or direction to the concerned respondents and their authorities not to allow exhibition of movie "Kedarnath". It is also prayed that pending admission, hearing and final disposal of the petition, exhibition of movie "Kedarnath" be banned in theatres in Gujarat.

(2.) According to the petitioner, the exhibition and public display of the movie will affect sentiments of Hindus and will amount to violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India. It is submitted by learned advocate for the petitioner that the trailer and the songs of the movie which is to be released on 07.12.2018, are already being exhibited on several internet portals and are also shown on various television channels. Since Kedarnath is a holy place and having seen the trailer of the said movie which contains certain scenes which may disturb sentiments and faith of of Hindus, if permitted to be exhibited, the present petition is filed. So as to protect sentiments of Hindu religion certain objectionable scenes, part of the stories, etc. deserve to be censored. It is stated that the above place of worship is highly respected by Hindus. The story of the movie is of a Muslim boy and a Hindu girl who meet at Kedarnath and develop affection with each other. It is further the case of the petitioner that the place of worship by Hindus is not to be treated for showing any kind of intimacy between a boy and a girl and by doing so, the Producer, Director and Exhibitors of the movie are hurting sentiments of Hindus. It is further submitted that the story and the idea and scenes projected disrespect the culture and tradition of Hindu religion and it affects decency and morality as a whole. Besides, certain scenes of the movie, particularly, of intimacy between a Muslim boy and a Hindu girl, are not only rude and offensive but are also not fit for public exhibition.

(3.) It is submitted on behalf of the petitioner that though a representation has been submitted to the competent authorities, the Central Board of Film Certification and others, as per representation dated 26.11.2018, no steps are taken and allowing release of the movie will render the petitioner remediless and hence urgency to stop exhibition of such movie in cinema halls.