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Adipurush Row: Make documentary on Quran with discrepancies, then imagine consequences, says HC
The court pointed out that the movie Adipurush was not an isolated incident where Hindu Gods and Goddesses were shown in a “funny way”.
LUCKNOW The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court on Wednesday observed that the court is not about any one religion but is equally concerned with the sentiments of all religions. Hearing the Adipurush row, the HC bench said that the issue cannot be ignored. Slamming the makers of Adipurush, Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Shree Prakash Singh of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court observed, “We make it clear that the court is not about any one religion. However, you should not depict any religion in a bad light.”
The court made these oral observations during an open court hearing of two PILs against the movie Adipurush. The court pointed out that the movie Adipurush was not an isolated incident where Hindu Gods and Goddesses were shown in a “funny way”. The HC bench said, “If we ignore this (Adipurush) today, then you know what will come next? These incidents are increasing every day. I saw a movie in which lord Shiva was shown in a funny way running with his Trishul. Is this a joke?”
It added, “If you make a short documentary on Quran and release it depicting wrong things, then can you imagine what will happen next? We again clarify that the court is not for any religion. It is by chance that the issue (movie Adipurush) before us is about Ramayan.”
The court also questioned deputy solicitor general of India SB Pandey, who appeared on behalf of the Centre. The bench asked Pandey how could he defend such a movie. Replying to the court’s query, Pandey stated that the certificate was issued to the movie by a Board comprising ‘sanskari’ (well-mannered) members. To this, the court (sarcastically) said, “If such sanskari people were passing such a movie (Adipurush), then they are truly blessed.”
It may be pointed out that the court is hearing two PILs against the movie Adipurush filed by Kuldeep Tewari and Bandana Kumar. They are represented by advocates Ranjana Agnihotri and Sudha Sharma. Separately, the court also asked additional advocate general Vinod Kumar Shahi, who was representing the state government -- “You are going to enthrone lord Ram (in Ram Mandir) in Ayodhya in January next. How can you (state government) allow such a movie.” The court, however, pointed out that it (the release of Adipurush) was related to the Centre and it had nothing to do with the state government.
