HC notice to Govt on Shikara release

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Feb 6: The High Court today issued notice to Union of India and Government of J&K for withholding the release of movie ‘Shikara’ in view of its controversial and communal scenes and dialogues pertaining to J&K.
The Division Bench of Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey and Justice D S Thakur after hearing the counsel for petitioners advocate Shafakat Nazir as also the perusal of the contents made in the PIL, said there is real urgency involved in the matter as such the response of the officials should be obtained in context of the interim relief as prayed in the petition.
The Division Bench issued notice to both Union Government as also the J&K Government for filing of response by tomorrow so that the issue in the petition be settled. The notice have been waived off by the counsels representing GoI and Government of J&K by their respective counsels.
Petitioners sought to withhold the release of ‘Shikara’ movie directed and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra pertaining to the migration of Kashmiri Pandits in early 1990 saying the movie has the shots which are communal, inflammatory and frivolous.
“Withhold the release of movie till it is reviewed/scrutinized and censored by the appropriate authorities and edit or remove the communal, inflammatory and frivolous content from the movie”, petitioners prayed.
They also prayed for review of the certificate issued with regard to the movie and censor the controversial and communal scenes / dialogues from it and to ensure that all possible steps are taken to prevent polarization and communalization of atmosphere in the country, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.
Till final disposal of the matter petitioners as interim relief prayed that the authorities be directed to withhold the release of the movie which is scheduled for release on 07.02.2020.
“In view of the averments made in the petition and the relief claimed, we feel that there is a real urgency involved in the matter and that the response of the official respondents should be obtained in the context of the interim relief prayed for by the petitioners”, court recorded in the order and posted the matter for further consideration tomorrow in morning session.
Court directed the Registry to issue notice to the Advocate General for appearance before the Court tomorrow.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here