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The petition filed by Mohammed Atiq Ibrahim Ansari has sought directions to be issued to the Central Board of Film Certification to revoke the censor certificate issued to the producer and Zee5.
The Bombay High Court has formed a panel of three members, including Retired Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court Amjad Sayyed, Retired Bombay High Court Judge Abhay Thipsay, and Indian Actor Amol Palekar, and called for their opinions after viewing the movie ‘I Killed Bapu’.
“We request the panel to take a preview of the film “I Killed Bapu” at the place suggested by them and consider whether the film has any such objectionable material or has any potential of seriously threatening societal disharmony and submit its report accordingly to this court,” the order reads.
The division bench of the Bombay High Court, comprising of Justice Sunil B Shukre and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla, was hearing a petition against the streaming of the movie 'I Killed Bapu' on Zee5 which was released on 29th September.
In his petition, Ansari stated that he is a Muslim by religion and at the same time is a follower of Mahatma Gandhi.
The plea argues that the movie's sole purpose is to create disharmony between the two religions and to insult Mahatma Gandhi by falsely attributing the partition of India to him.
Moreover, the petition contends that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) issued the censor certificate in a mechanical manner without verifying any facts.
The plea underscores that the movie's intention is to tarnish the reputation of Mahatma Gandhi, which ultimately tarnishes the image of the entire nation on the global stage.
“The film has been released worldwide whereby, the image of Father of Nation Shri. Mahatma Gandhi and an attempt is been made to tarnish the image of the Father of the nation thereby indirectly insulting and/or defaming the entire country at the international forum as well,” the plea reads.
The petition also points out that the movie portrays Mahatma Gandhi in an insulting tone, labelling him as a Muk-Badir (Deaf-mute), among other derogatory references.
The high court has scheduled the next hearing after two weeks.
Advocates Amin Solkar and Daksha Parmar appeared for the petitioner.
Advocates Ashok M. Saroagi, Akasha Singh, and R.R. Verma appeared for the producer and Zee5.
Case title: Mohammed Atiq Ibrahim Ansari vs CBFC & Ors
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