New Delhi, April 13: The Supreme Court on Thursday turned down Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) plea twice against nationwide release of “Nanak Shah Fakir” and posted its petition against the film for hearing on Monday. The controversial film — based on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev — is slated for release on Friday, but will not be screened in Punjab.
The SGPC petition seeking vacation of the court’s order clearing the decks for its release was first mentioned before a Bench headed by CJI Dipak Misra in the morning by advocate Satinder Singh Gulati.
The Bench, which had on Tuesday criticised the SGPC for attempting to impose restrictions on the film, said a film certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) did not require SGPC’s approval for release.
“Once the CBFC gives clearance to a film, no one can object to its release without taking recourse to lawful means,” it noted.
The matter was again mentioned before the CJI’s Bench at 2 pm by senior advocate PS Patwalia who requested the court to advance the hearing from Monday to Friday. “Nothing would be left on Monday… Please hear it on Friday,” Patwalia said. However, the Bench didn’t agree to his request.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Thursday also refused to stay the film’s release saying the petition by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee was motivated after the SC refused to grant any relief.
Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com
