Madhya Pradesh High Court Issues Notice on PIL Challenging Release Of Kangana Ranaut's Film 'Emergency'

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has sent notices to the Central Government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in a Public Interest Litigation challenging the impending release of the film 'Emergency,' starring Kangana Ranaut. The petitioners, Jabalpur Sikh Sangat and Guru Singh Sabha Indore claim that the film contains scenes that violate the fundamental rights of the Sikh community.

The Division Bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf, requested clarity from the respondents. The court's notice came after the petitioners, represented by Advocate Narinder Pal Singh Ruprah, said that the film's depiction of certain events could mislead and defame the Sikh community.

'Emergency,' is a film set during the 1975 Emergency pertaining to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The film's premiere date had been scheduled for September 6, 2024, but has been postponed due to mounting opposition, particularly from Sikh organisations.

Advocate Narinder Pal Singh Ruprah, representing the petitioners, contended that the film's depiction of certain historical events, particularly the usage of the term 'Khalistan,' could have negative consequences for the Sikh community. He emphasised that the film's narrative may lead to discrimination and labelling of young Sikh children who wear turbans as 'Khalistanis'.

The petitioners are requesting an unconditional apology from Kangana Ranaut, the film's actor and producer, for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community. They contend that the film's portrayal of the Sikh community is not only historically inaccurate but also defamatory.

The Bench further instructed the respondents to respond to the petition and scheduled the matter for 3rd September.

Notably, the Punjab and Haryana High Court is hearing a similar matter wherein it had expressed an inclination to wait for the CBFC's certification of the film before passing further orders.

Case title: Jabalpur Sikh Sangat And Others Vs Union Of India And Others

Case no- WP-25911-2024

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