Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Thursday dismissed the plea after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) informed it that it has made nine cuts in Kedarnath scheduled for release on December 7.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice M.S. Karnik was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Prabhakar Tripathi and advocate Rameshchandra Mishra. The PIL said the movie, based on one of the most holy places for Hindus, contains a twisted Hindu-Muslim love story during the 2013 north India floods. The PIL said, “The story will inspire young audience to propel towards love jihad, and hurts religious feelings of people having faith in Kedarnath Dham.”
Advocate Advait Sethna filed an affidavit on behalf of the censor board, which said they have made certain modifications and cuts in line with the guidelines to ensure that no religious sentiments are hurt.
Senior counsel P. Dakhepalkar, also appearing for the body, said, “The film is a love story between two persons belonging to different classes and faiths. It has no intention to hurt anyone.” After hearing the arguments by both parties, the court dismissed the petition, and said a body of experts can be constituted to regulate trailers and posters of films that are released online.