NGO files case against Goregaon pub for blasphemy over Christian decor

The Mumbai police have registered a case against popular pub Goregaon Social, which has outlets across the nation, for hurting religious sentiments following a complaint

The Mumbai police have registered a case against popular pub Goregaon Social, which has outlets across the nation, for hurting religious sentiments following a complaint from an NGO about its ambience.

The NGO likened the depictions in Goregaon Social to be “outrageous” and “nothing short of blasphemy to Christianity.”

Activists of Watchdog Foundation, Nicholas Almeida and Godfrey Pimenta, on Wednesday approached the Dindoshi police to register a formal complaint against the pub owner. The activists issued a statement that said, “There are stained-glass pictures of saints with funny names written thereunder. The bar area has a backdrop of a Tabernacle set up. Even the seating arrangement in the bar is church Pews. The messages inscribed on the benches are from the Holy Bible.”

The NGO likened the depictions in the pub to be “outrageous” and “nothing short of blasphemy to Christianity.”

Almeida said he has registered a complaint against the pub owner.

HT contacted Impresario Handmade Restaurants, which owns the pub chain. However, a representative said, “Mr. Vinod Pandey, who would issue the statement is not available. There will not be a comment from the company today.”

“The pub management has done this deliberate and malicious act with intent to outrage the religious feelings of the Christian community by insulting its religion and our religious beliefs,” the activists stated, demanding a case under section 295A of the Indian Penal Code against the pub owner.

The activists also threatened to “agitate” outside Oberoi Mall where the pub is located if its trade licence, liquor permit, health licence and property are not confiscated within a 24-hour period.

Father Nigel Barrett, spokesperson, Archdiocese of Bombay, said they received an apology email from the owner of the social group on Wednesday evening. “I have handed over a printout of the letter to the cardinal. In the email, the pub management said they have already started removing the stickers and stained-glass paintings that were offensive to the Christian community,” said Fr Barrett. “The cardinal will decide if he wants to accept the apology or not,” he said.