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.