After Supreme Court's stay order, Bombay High Court permits 'Hamare Baarah' release after cuts [19.6.2024]

The Bombay High Court granted permission on Wednesday (June 19) for the release of the controversial film ‘Hamare Baarah’ after the filmmakers agreed to remove objectionable content.

A division bench consisting of Justice BP Colabawalla and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla issued the order, permitting the film’s release after concluding that it neither offends the religious sentiments of the Muslim community nor distorts the teachings of the Quran. The court noted that the film, which has sparked extensive debate due to its focus on overpopulation, aims to promote women’s empowerment.

The film, starring Annu Kapoor, had generated controversy with its initial trailer, which the court also found problematic. After reviewing the final version of ‘Hamare Baarah’, the bench confirmed that all objectionable scenes had been removed.

“The movie is in fact for the upliftment of women. The movie has a Maulana misinterpreting the Quran and in fact one Muslim man objects to the same in the scene. So this shows that people should apply their mind and not blindly follow such Maulanas,” stated the High Court.

Additionally, the court imposed a Rs 5 lakh fine on the filmmakers for releasing a trailer containing uncertified scenes, directing that the amount be donated to a charity chosen by the petitioner.

“Violation was their vis-a-vis the trailer. So, you will have to pay something towards charity of the petitioner’s choice. Cost will have to be paid. This litigation has got the film so much unpaid publicity,” the High Court noted.


19 Jun 2024