Delhi High Court Refuses To Advance Hearing Of Plea Seeking Removal Of 'Objectionable Scenes' In Adipurush Movie

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to advance the hearing of a petition seeking removal of alleged objectionable scenes in the movie Adipursh. The petition against the movie is tentatively listed for hearing on June 30.

The counsel representing the petitioner, during the mentioning, submitted that the movie is against the “controversial” Adipursh movie and it has been listed on June 30. Seeking an early date of the plea against the screening of the movie, the counsel informed the court that the movie is already released.

The division bench headed by Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju said, “what are you restraining then, sir, if it is already released”.

The counsel said there are many “controversial part” in the movie. Justice Ganju said the release dates are known well in advance. “It is not as if it is announced today … why did you not come before,” the court said.

The counsel said the Director and Producer had “promised” to remove the scenes when the trailer and teaser were released but the same was not done. He further said the movie is affecting international relations as Nepal has banned it.

Justice Ganju said the court was not convinced about the urgency and refused to advance the hearing. “30 June? Please come back on that date,” the court told the counsel.

The petition argues that the Hindus have a particular view of the image of Lord Ram, Sita, & Hanuman and any change or tampering of their divine image by the film producers, directors and actors would be a violation of their fundamental rights.

It argues that the scenes show the religious characters in a bad taste and are an "absolute insult" to Hindu civilization and Hindu religious figures.

“Distorted public exhibition of Hindu religious figures by film Adipurush is a clear cut violation of freedom of conscience and practice in as much as freedom to manage religious affairs as guaranteed under Article 26 which is also violated,” the plea filed by Hindu Sena National President Vishnu Gupta argues.