Advocate Alleges That Movie 'Section 375' Shows Lawyers In Bad Light; Pune Court Summons Akshaye Khanna, Producers

 A Pune civil court has issued summons to actor Akshaye Khanna and producers of the movie Section 375, in a petition filed by Advocate Wajed Pathan alleging that the movie shows lawyers in a negative light and demanding that it should be banned.

Judge R Nathani asked producers Kumar Mangal Pathak, Abhishek Pathak and actor Akshay Khanna to remain present before the Court on the next date of hearing, ie, September 9.

The petition, which is in Marathi, alleges that the movie is being made for financial gains and if it is released, victims will stop coming forward in rape cases, and therefore it should be banned.

Trailer of the movie has been widely circulated and it shows lawyers in a negative light, states the petition.

As per the movie trailer, a woman alleges rape on a movie director. While Richa Chadda represents the alleged victim in the film, Akshay Khanna is the director's lawyer. Pointing out a specific scene where the victim is cross-examined, the petitioner alleged that "objectionable questions are asked to the victim in the movie and such questions are never asked in an open courtroom, such questions are asked if the proceedings are in-camera".

Speaking to Live Law, Advocate Wajed Pathan said-

"Under Section 91 of Civil Procedure Code (which deals with public nuisance and wrongful act affecting public), Court has power to impose fine on the filmmakers and other artists in the movie."

Referring to the trailer of the movie, petitioner has alleged that the movie misinterprets Section 375, and shows plight of women in a bad light.

The petition finally prays for a stay on the movie's release and seeks withdrawal of the said trailer.