Guj HC watches Maharaj, extends stay on release
Updated: Jun 21st, 2024
The stir regarding the ‘Maharaj’ of Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan has prevailed as the Gujarat High Court has extended the stay on the film after watching it.
Followers of the Vallabhacharya and Vaishnav community argued before the court on June 20 that the publisher should act ethically before producing or releasing the film, and if there is anything objectionable or controversial in it, the authorities have the power to stop such content.
Giving the instance of MF Hussain, they said, “This is not a personal creation like a painting by MF Hussain, but a film based on a person and true events and it is defamatory. Artistic value cannot be greater than social value. The greatest impact and influence of film is seen in social life.”
“If religious sentiments are hurt and people’s faith is undermined, the authorities can punish such publishers and stop such productions,” the community argued.
They argued that the film should not be released as it will hurt people’s religious feelings and the publisher has a responsibility to act ethically.
Citing Article 21, the followers argued that according to Article 21, they have liberty to live life with liberty and respect.
The film, according to its makers, is based on books, trials, and legal cases.
“We do not say that Jadunath Maharaj was great, but all the Maharajas cannot be portrayed or presented as bad. The verdict in the Maharaj defamation case is defamatory,” they argued.
“No work should glamorise objectionable elements. The judgment of a judge can’t be sued but no one can protect a publisher. Even the MPs do not have this shield outside Parliament,” they added.
Also read:
Gujarat HC extends stay on release of Junaid Khan’s ‘Maharaj’
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