ANAND CHAWLA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Public Interest Litigation has been filed by the petitioners, who appear to be practicing advocates challenging the exhibition of the film namely 'Goliyon-ki-Rasleela, Ram-Leela' on the ground that the said film has no concern with the life sketch of Lord Ram worshiped by crores of Hindus and have faith as 'Maryada Purushottam'. Ramleela signifies as dramatic folk re-enactment of the life of Lord Ram and in the name of Ramleela, some story which has no concern with Lord Sriram is exhibited. The film is a love story of some Ram Bhai and Leela should not be permitted to be exhibited with the name of Ramleela. It is submitted that the date of exhibition of the film is 15th of November, 2013 and exhibition of the aforesaid film may be banned. Shri Vijay Pandey, learned counsel appearing for the respondents/Union of India has submitted that in compliance of the order passed in W.P. No. 17779 of 2013 filed by Shri Anand Chawla, a representation was filed before the respondent No. 1 - Central Board of Film Certification, Mumbai, who have considered the representation of Shri Anand Chawla and rejected it vide order dated 08/11/2013.

(2.) For the ready reference we quote the entire order of respondent No. 1, which reads thus:--

(3.) From the perusal of the aforesaid, it appears that members of the Board of Examining Committee have considered the matter and found that this film has no connection with 'Ramleela', which deals about the life of Lord Sriram, instead the film was a social drama, inspired by William Shakespeares story 'Romeo & Juliet', the name of the film is 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela' where the names of lead characters are Ram Bhai and Leela. The only reference in the film is about the 'Ravan Dahan' which is germane to the script of the story and even its intention was to convey coming together of two warring clans, rather than to promote enmity. The committee has also recorded a finding that overall portrayal of Ram to be positive, as the protagonist strives for peace rather than war. On the aforesaid grounds, it was found by the Committee that the film has no connection which would hurt the sentiments of Hindu's and the 'U/A' certificate granted by the Censor Board was affirmed.