GUWAHATI: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday approved the release of the movie 'Hamare Baarah' after its creators agreed to remove objectionable content. This decision came in the case of [Azhar Basha Tamboli v Ravi S Gupta and Ors.].
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A bench comprising Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla reviewed the film and suggested alterations, which were accepted by both the filmmakers and the petitioners. The Court directed the filmmakers to implement the necessary changes before the movie's release.
The filmmakers confirmed that they would make the required modifications and obtain certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The Court had been hearing petitions seeking to ban the movie, alleging that it distorted the Quran and was derogatory towards the Islamic faith and the Muslim community. Initially set for release on June 7, then postponed to June 14, the film is now expected to hit theaters on June 21.
Additionally, the Court imposed a ₹5 lakh fine on the filmmakers for releasing trailers without prior CBFC certification. Earlier in the month, the High Court had delayed the film's release, later allowing it after the filmmakers agreed to delete the objectionable content as directed by the CBFC.
The petitioners then approached the Supreme Court, which stayed the movie's release, and instructed the High Court to make an appropriate decision. During the High Court hearing, both parties presented consent terms, agreeing on the removal of the offensive parts. The petitioners expressed no objection to the movie's release once the changes were made, leading the Court to authorise the film's release.
The petitioners were represented by advocates Mayur Khandeparkar, Aneesa Cheema, and Aditya Miskita, with instructions from advocates Rekha Musale and Nitin Rajguru. Additional Government Pleader Kavita N Solunke appeared for the State. Viacom 18 was represented by advocates Madhu Gadodia, Sujay Mukherji, and Deveesha Tudekar, instructed by Anand & Naik. The CBFC and Union of India were represented by advocates Advait M Sethna, Ashutosh Mishta, and Poushali Roychoudhury.
The filmmakers were represented by Senior Advocate Rahul Narichania and advocates Siddharth Thacker, Sunilkumar Neelambaran, Jeyhaan Carnac, and Aaron Kevin Fernandes, instructed by Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe.