Fresh plea in HC against '31st October'

A petition has again been filed in the Delhi High Court to stop the release of Hindi film '31st October' based on the anti-Sikh riots in the aftermath of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984.

The public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Ajay Katara has now impleaded the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in the case, after the court on October 5 had refused to entertain his plea, saying he had neither approached the board before moving the court and nor made it a party to the case.

The PIL, which would be heard next week, contends that '31st October', starring actors Soha Ali Khan and Vir Das, is an attack on the secular fabric of India and is contrary to the ideology of the country's oldest political party.

"From whatever little is shown in trailers, it is clear that the action and words used by the characters are of offensive nature, having all the ingredients to tarnish the reputation of such persons. Apart from the fact that the same can't stand the test of fair comment or that of social interest, those appear to be provocative," said Katara in his plea.

The petition has also sought direction to delete some 'objectionable' scenes before the release, saying there are various scenes in the movie, which are aimed and targeted against a prominent political figure of the country.

The petitioner had, however, not named any leader in the plea.

The movie's producer, Magical Dreams Production Pvt Ltd, has used a lookalike of the unnamed political figure, who has been painted in a bad light, the plea further said.

It added that the movie has transgressed the right of expression, inasmuch as targeting a particular personality is concerned, so as to invoke contempt and hatred against him.

The movie is scheduled to be released on October 21.

--IANS

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