[Why I killed Gandhi] 'May disturb communal harmony amid elections': PIL moved in Allahabad HC seeking stay on movie streaming

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Alleging that continuing the broadcast of the movie 'Why I killed Gandhi' may disturb the social harmony of Uttar Pradesh in view of ongoing State Assembly elections, a Public Interest Litigation has been filed before Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench seeking stay on the same. 

The petitioners namely Rehan Alam Khan and Himanshu Gupta have argued that the movie which was released on the 'Over The Top' (OTT) platform 'Limelight' on January 30, 2022, has highly objectionable dialogues. It's been also said that "the content of the movie tarnishes Bapu's image".

It is significant to note that against the release of this movie, a writ petition was filed before the Supreme Court which the top court refused to entertain. However, liberty was granted to the petitioners to approach the concerned high court. 

In the instant plea which seeks direction to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to stay the streaming of the movie, it has been contended that by this movie, which has already been seen by millions all around the world, "the image of the father of the nation is being tarnished....and it will disturb the peace between Hindu and Muslims."

"The image of father of nation, will be ruined by such type of movie, the movie also glorifies Nathu Ram Godse and justifies the heinous crime which occurred on 30th (January) 1948," the plea reads. 

Claiming that he has great faith and regard for Mahatma Gandhi, Gupta has alleged that after watching the movie, he felt hurt by the dialogues and contents of the film. 

Therefore, highlighting that State Assembly elections are ongoing, the petitioners have contended that "by the display of (a) heinous crime which occurred on January 30th, 1948 may disturb the social harmony of Uttar Pradesh and the country."

The petition has been filed through Advocate Krishan Kanhaya Pal.

Case Title: Rehan Alam Khan and another v. Union of India and Ors.