Why I Killed Gandhi: SC Refuses To Entertain Petition To Ban Movie

Picture courtesy LiveLaw

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday did not entertain a writ petition which sought a stay on the streaming of the film ‘Why I killed Gandhi’, which was released on OTT platform on January 30, Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary.

Justices Indira Banerjee and JK Maheshwari, however, allowed the petitioner to approach the High Court, reported LiveLaw.in.

“Writ petition under Art 32 may only be filed when there is a question of violation of Fundamental Right. No Fundamental Right of the petitioner appears to have been violated. However it appears that the petitioner is a citizen and may have a serious cause of concern. Petitioner is at liberty to approach the High Court under Art 226. This petition is not entertained,” the order said.

One Sikander Behl had moved the petition with the apex court.

Advocate Anuj Bhandari, who appeared for the petitioner, said that in the movie released on OTT platform ‘Limelight’, Gandhi had been referred to as ‘Napunsak’ and ‘Hara Hua Juwhari’.

“The movie ‘Why I killed Gandhi’ was released yesterday. In the movie, Gandhi has been called ‘Napunsak’. Jokes are being made on Gandhi & the entire courtroom has been shown laughing on Gandhi,” the counsel submitted.

He argued the movie had not been approved by the Censor Board, and could be removed with the click of a button.

Justice Banerjee said the reference to Gandhi was most unfortunate, but she asked the counsel why he had approached Supreme Court straightaway?

There had been calls to ban the movie from several quarters, including Congress party.