The Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench has recently issued a notice to the Censor Board to file a reply with regard to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against the upcoming film named ‘Adipurush’. The Court has fixed February 21 as the next date of hearing in this matter.

The PIL has been filed by the petitioner named Kuldeep Tiwari.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Brij Raj Singh ordered, “It has been pointed out that certificate for exhibiting the film "Adipurush" is to be issued by respondent No.3. Let notice be served on respondent no.3 for February 21, 2023.”

Advocate Ranjana Agnihotri appeared on behalf of the petitioners while ASG Ashwani Kumar Singh represented the respondents.

The petition claimed that the film's producers released the promo of the movie without obtaining a certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) or Censor Board, which is a clear violation of the rules. The petitioners have also raised objections to the costume of the actors and actresses who portrayed the role of Hindu Gods/Goddesses and other characters of ‘Ramayana’ in the movie.

The petition also claimed that people have deep faith in Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, but in the movie, they have been shown against the belief of people. It was further said that the look of ‘Ravana’ played by Saif Ali Khan in the movie is objectionable.

The petitioner has therefore arrayed the actors of the movie as parties in the petition and has made the film’s producer and director respondents.

Accordingly, the matter will be heard on February 21.

Cause Title- Kuldeep Tiwari and another v. Union of India and others

Click here to read/download the Order

Allahabad High CourtChief Justice Rajesh BindalJustice Brij Raj SinghCensor BoardCBFCPIL

Swasti Chaturvedi