The Supreme Court Thursday junked a petition seeking a stay on the screening of Aamir Khan starrer PK for alleged obscene scenes and scenes with a potential to stir ill-will among people practising different faiths.
“This is art and entertainment. Don’t bring religious facets in it. If you don’t like it, don’t watch it. Let others watch,” said an apex court bench of Chief Justice R.M. Lodha, Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice Rohinton Fali Narimam as the counsel for NGO All India Human Rights & Social Justice sought a ban on its screening in India and abroad.
The NGO had objected to two scenes relating to the alleged semi-nude appearance of Aamir Khan, and a rickshaw puller, appearing like Indian deity Shiva, pulling a cycle rickshaw in which two burqa-clad woman are seated.
The PIL said “this is hurting religious sentiments of followers of Lord Shiva and it is a criminal offence punishable under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code [deliberate effort to outrage religious feelings].”
It contended that “the scene shall probably create communal tension among the two major communities. It is surprising that the film censor board has permitted its exhibition in cinema halls.”
Asking the counsel Nafis Ahmad Siddiqui if the film has been through the Censor Board, Chief Justice Lodha said, “Others have a right to watch the movie. How is your legal and constitutional right affected?”
“India is a mature society. They know the difference between entertainment and other things,” Chief Justice Lodha said as counsel told the court that there was anguish throughout the country and the film was spoiling youth.
To this, Chief Justice Lodha said, “It is an age of internet. What will you hide? Youth are very smart these days.”
Taking a dig at the counsel pointing to generation gap, court asked him, “Why are you talking about your youth and mine? It is 50 year old.”
