In a recent turn of events, the Bombay High Court has given the green light for the release of the film ‘Hamare Baarah’ after the filmmakers agreed to delete certain objectionable scenes. The much-anticipated movie will now hit theatres on June 21, 2024.
Court’s Decision Amidst Controversy
The ruling follows a writ petition that requested the publication of “Hamare Baarah” be banned on the grounds that it misrepresented the Quran and negatively depicted Islam and Muslims. The case was presided over by Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla, who served on the division bench. They helped the petitioners and the filmmakers reach a solution.
Edits and Modifications
The court recommended certain changes, including the elimination of a particular dialogue and a verse from the Quran, which were agreed by both sides. The movie will also have two 12-second disclaimers. It was decided that these adjustments were required to meet the petitioners’ concerns.
CBFC’s Role and Re-certification
By June 20, 2024, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has consented to re-certify the movie with the necessary changes. This re-certification is crucial for ensuring that the film meets the regulatory standards and is fit for public viewing.
Legal Costs and Charity Contribution
As part of the court’s directive, the filmmakers will cover legal costs amounting to Rs 5 lakh, which will be donated to a charity chosen by the petitioner. During a hearing on Tuesday, the court highlighted the unpaid publicity the film received due to the litigation, emphasizing the necessity of this contribution.
Court’s Observations on the Film
In previous hearings, the bench observed that there was “nothing objectionable” in the Annu Kapoor-starrer film and nothing that went against the Quran or the Muslim community. The court also noted that ‘Hamare Baarah’ aims at the upliftment of women and is not a film that requires the audience to “keep their brains at home”. It praised the Indian public’s discernment, stating they are “not gullible or silly”.
Timeline of Events
Initially, the Bombay High Court had postponed the film’s release, but later allowed it on June 7 after the filmmakers assured that the objectionable portions would be removed as directed by the CBFC. However, the petitioners took the matter to the Supreme Court, which last week halted the release and directed the High Court to take an appropriate decision.
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