New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has refused an urgent hearing on a petition filed against Paresh Rawal’s film “The Taj Story.” The petition sought a stay on the film’s release. Paresh Rawal received relief from the High Court in this matter. Today, Wednesday, the Delhi High Court refused an urgent hearing on the petition, stating that it was not warranted.
What allegations are made in the petition?
A petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the release of the film “The Taj Story,” starring Paresh Rawal in the lead role. The petition expresses concern that the film spreads false theories about the Taj Mahal and could pose a threat to communal harmony. However, on Wednesday, the Delhi High Court refused an urgent hearing on a petition challenging the film’s release and the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) granting it a certificate.
Allegations of distortion of historical facts
Regarding the petition, the bench stated that there was no need for an urgent hearing and therefore refused to list the matter for an early hearing. The petitioner, lawyer Shakeel Abbas, had requested the court to stay the film’s release and revoke the CBFC certificate granted to it. In his petition, Abbas argued that the film distorts historical facts and could harm communal harmony. According to the petition, the film revives a theory that allegedly states that the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple, a claim that has been rejected by several renowned historians and scholars.
When will the film be released?
The petition alleges that the film provides false and misleading information about the Taj Mahal and promotes a political agenda. The petitioner has warned that such depictions in the film could have far-reaching consequences, including the risk of inciting communal unrest and damaging the reputation of the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The petitioner has requested that the CBFC re-examine the film, add a disclaimer, and remove certain scenes deemed objectionable. The film will be released on October 31. Written and directed by Tushar Amrish Goyal, the film is produced by Suresh Jha. Apart from Paresh Rawal, it stars Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Namit Das, and Sneha Wagh.