Amritsar, April 17: The Supreme Court’s refusal to stay the release of ‘Nanak Shah Fakir’ has upset the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), even as film producer Harinder Singh Sikka said the ruling was based on the merits of the case.
The film on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak was officially released in the country, except Punjab, on April 13.
Talking to The Tribune, SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal said the judiciary had shown indifference towards Sikh principles and religious sensibilities. He said the Prime Minister, the Home Minister and the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had been approached to stall the screening of the film.
Sikka said he had sought permission at every stage from the SGPC and made amendments as directed before releasing the film.
“The film was endorsed by a qualified jury and certified by the Central Board of Film Certification. The SGPC and Akal Takht acknowledged the movie. A total of 31 amendments were made on their recommendation. Even before releasing the poster, the SGPC was taken into confidence and one of its members attended the event,” he added.
DSGMC general secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, “We have full faith in the judiciary. We will fight the case to its logical conclusion. A film getting the national award holds no significance if it hurts religious sentiments. Barring one or two places in Gujarat, the film was not screened anywhere. I am thankful that the Sikh sangat abided by the directions of Akal Takht.”
Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com
