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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”.

Updated on: Jun 28, 2023, 21:32:26 IST
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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 observation came as the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court was hearing petitions against Adipurush. (HT File)
The observation came as the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court was hearing petitions against Adipurush. (HT File)

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.

  • Pawan Dixit
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    Pawan Dixit

    Pawan Dixit, Assistant Editor, brings over 20 years of frontline reporting experience to the newsroom. A specialist on Uttar Pradesh politics and governance, he has reported from the ground across the state’s most consequential stories. He cut his teeth in eastern UP, spending 15 years covering the region. Based in Varanasi, he reported the 2012 UP Assembly polls and the 2014 Lok Sabha elections that reshaped the state’s political map. Moving to Lucknow in 2016, he has since led coverage of the 2017 and 2022 UP Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. His reporting tracks the BJP’s strategy, opposition moves, and voter sentiment across all 75 districts. Pawan has been a constant presence in Ayodhya since 2016. He reported the entire arc of the Ram Mandir movement — from the legal fight to the Supreme Court verdict, through temple construction, to the inauguration. He continues to track every development at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. On the state beat, he covers the BJP, the Industrial Development Department, and handles key outstation political assignments. He also reports major cases from the district court, Lucknow bench of the High Court, and the State Information Commission. Along with this, he also reports on NGT's important decisions related to UP. Known for sharp sourcing and clear analysis, Pawan connects politics, policy, infrastructure and faith — the forces driving UP today. He has reported developments in Ayodhya and Ram Mandir movement since 2016. The Supreme Court's Ram Mandir verdict, temple construction and the its opening have been reported by him. He reports all developments in Ayodhya and Ram Mandir Trust. He covers state BJP, Industrial development department, outstation political assignments, reports special cases from district court, high court and state information commissionRead More