PIL in Calcutta High Court seeks prohibition on display of movie Laal Singh Chaddha

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Synopsis

The PIL states that exhibition of the movie Laal Singh Chaddha in the state of Calcutta may lead to breach of peace and tranquility which is against the public at large. 

A Public Interest Litigation plea in the Calcutta High Court has sought prohibition on exhibition of the movie Laal Singh Chaddha in the state of Calcutta in view of the possible law and order situation.

The plea filed by one Nazia Elahi Khan alleges that the exhibition of the film "Laal Singh Chaddha" in the State of West Bengal may lead to a breach of peace and tranquillity in the State which is against the interests of the public at large.

The plea states that the State of West Bengal has been a witness of various incidents of communal riots and very recently due to the derogatory remarks of Nupur Sharma, the Chief Minister of the State of West Bengal, and TMC leader Mahua Moitra there was communal instability in the State. 

Additionally, the plea states that "Aamir Khan who has been accused of committing a religious divide by being intolerant towards the Hindus has released a film named 'Laal Singh Chaddha' on August, 11. There is a huge contingent who boycotted the film due to the reasons as mentioned above and who do not want others to watch the film as well and there is a sizable amount of people in the State of West Bengal". 

The plea submits that all these contingents acted as a faction and they are against the release of the film and in this scenario if some patrons watch the film in the theatres then that could lead to a serious breach of the peace and tranquillity in the State of West Bengal as the faction who are boycotting the film may forcefully disallow these patrons to watch the film. 

The petitioner writes, "When any act becomes communal in nature may be through words or through signs or visible representations, the situation in the State of West Bengal becomes quite vulnerable and every now and then there is a chance that communal harmony may be disturbed which could lead to a riot-like situation in this State, as a result, it is the responsibility of the State to maintain the peace and tranquility in an area whenever there is a probability that it may be disturbed under any scenario."

Case Title: Nazia Elahi Khan Vs. the State of West Bengal & Ors.