Court recalls order restraining use of word Ram Leela in movie

A Delhi court today recalled its order of restraining Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and EROS International Media Limited from using the title Ram Leela for their upcoming film to be released on November 15.
Additional District Judge (ADJ) A S Jayachandra recalled its yesterday's order and said he committed a mistake by passing the decision as he was not informed by the counsel for plaintiffs that the Delhi High Court has already refused to ban the release of the movie.
Advocate Amit Sibal, appearing for Eros International Media Ltd, approached the court and argued the plaintiffs who did not inform it about the high court's October 9 order.

He also placed before the ADJ the order of the high court which had earlier refused to ban the movie and also imposed a cost of Rs 50,000 on an NGO which had moved the plea against the film.
The counsel also showed to the court the full title of the movie 'Ram-Leela: Goliyon Ki Rasleela' starring Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh.
The court had, in its order yesterday, said "the defendants no.1 and 2 (Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Eros Media) are hereby restrained from using the title name 'Ram Leela' for their intended feature film scheduled to be released on November 15, 2013 till the next date of hearing, as per prayer no.1 of the application.

"This order shall not effect the screening of the film."

The court had yesterday allowed the suit filed by six petitioners, including Prabhu Samaj Dharmik Ram Leela Committee, which said the word 'Ram Leela' is associated with Lord Rama and people will also watch this movie with an expectation that it would be related to his life but the film will hurt their sentiments.
The plaintiffs' counsel had sought the court to grant an ex-parte order against the director and producer of the movie in using the word 'Ram Leela' for their feature film.
They had said the film allegedly hurt religious sentiments of Hindus as it contains sex, violence and vulgarity.