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Synopsis

Filmmaker Leena Manimekalai, who had posted an allegedly derogatory poster, which shows Goddess Kali smoking a cigarette, for promoting her documentary 'Kaali', has moved the Supreme Court seeking to quash the FIRs registered against her.

Manimekala's case was mentioned on Friday before a CJI Chandrachud led bench which ordered to hear the matter on January 20.

In her plea, the filmmaker has also sought protection in the different cases registered against her. She has submitted before Court that she had tried to project "the goddess as radically inclusive and kind in her short performance documentary where she performed as the goddess Kaali". 

In July Last year, the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operation Unit of the Delhi Police had filed an FIR against filmmaker Leena Manimekalai over the alleged derogatory poster.

It may be noted that a police complaint was also filed by Advocate Vineet Jindal against Manimekalai in this regard.

According to Jindal's complaint, the poster was highly condemnable and derogatory to Hindu beliefs and sentiments. It has been alleged in the complaint that the filmmaker has hurt Jindal’s religious sentiments by showing Goddess Kali smoking.

The complaint noted that showing Goddess Kali smoking is highly objectionable and is not acceptable in any manner and that the act of posting such content is deliberate, malicious and intended to outrage the feelings of the Hindu community.

Jindal further alleged that posting such content on social media and all public platforms, amounts to offences under Sections 295A, 298 and 505 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.

The complaint sought for lodging of an FIR under the above-mentioned sections. It further sought a ban and removal of the photo and video clip from the internet on an immediate basis.