'Article 15' : Uttarakhand Govt Undertakes To Ensure Smooth Screening Of Film After HC Criticized SDM's Order Banning It [Read Order]

The Uttarakhand High Court on Friday observed that the order passed by Sub Divisional Magistrate, Roorkeebanning the screening of film 'Article 15' is arbitrary.

"On the face of it, the order dated 28.06.2018 is arbitrary", said Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia while hearing a petition filed by the makers of the film.

When the Court expressed its view about the SDM's order during the course of hearing, the standing counsel for the state government sought for a short adjournment to get instructions in the matter.

The case was taken up after an hour and the standing counsel informed that the SDM's order has been withdrawn.

However, Aman Rab, counsel for Essel Vision Production Ltd, the petitioner, informed the Court that the film was still not being screened in a number of cinema halls in Roorkee and Haridwar and the ban was in effect though lifted formally.

At this, the standing counsel assured the Court that instructions will be given to police authorities to ensure that no obstruction is caused to the screening of the movie.

Recording this, the Court ordered the matter to be listed again on Monday and further granted liberty to the petitioner to bring it to its knowledge any hardship or obstruction faced in screening of the film in Roorkee, Haridwar.

The Ayushman Khurrana starrer,released on June 28, addresses the issue of atrocities against Dalits in the light of Baduan gang rape-murders of 2014 and Una floggings of 2016 which took place in Uttar Pradesh. 

Certain upper caste groups have taken offence at the film stating that its portraying their community in bad light.

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