Gujarat high court on Thursday turned down a petition filed by a Sikh seeking ban on the Gujarati film 'Romeo and Radhika' because it depicts a clean-shaven man as a member of the Sikh community.
Justice RH Shukla summarily dismissed the plea with an observation: "On the ground of religious freedom or religious sentiment, freedom of expression cannot be curtailed particularly when there is nothing obscene or objectionable, which could hurt the feelings of the community or class of people as a whole community."
Petitioner, Manmeet Singh Chhabra, had moved the high court on Wednesday against the film, which was scheduled for release on July 15, and requested to stop its release on the ground that it will hurt the sentiments of members of Sikh community. Chhabra had appealed that depicting a member of the Sikh community without any beard or moustache is embarrassing. It is derogatory and against the religion of Sikh community. He argued that it would have a detrimental impact on his young children.
The court defended the right of the film maker: "The aspect of religious sentiments or improper depiction of a character cannot be a universal thing... Article 25 gives freedom of conscience and free profession and practice of religion and faith. However, it cannot be a matter of foisting upon faith on another person," the HC said.