Karnataka High Court lifts ban on 'Maidaan'
On Thursday, the Karnataka High Court revoked a temporary ban on the screening of the Hindi film Maidaan. The ban was initially imposed by a Mysuru civil court three days prior, on April 8. However, the news spread on Wednesday night. The legal issue began after a copyright violation claim was filed by Mysuru-based scriptwriter Anil Kumar against the movie's producers.
Film producer's urgent petition led to review
Despite the court being closed for Eid, Boney Kapoor of Bayview PPL, Mumbai, who is one of the film's producers, requested an urgent hearing on Thursday. Kapoor claimed that he was informed about the Mysuru district and session court's temporary ban at the last minute, on Wednesday, after Maidaan had already premiered in theaters worldwide.
Producer's representative criticized temporary ban
Senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Kapoor, criticized the temporary ban as a "non-speaking and unreasoned order," arguing that it lacked proper reasoning and violated principles for granting temporary injunctions as per the Code of Civil Procedure. Poovayya also pointed out that the injunction failed to provide reasons or explain how and why the plaintiff had made out a prima facie case.
Production company earlier responded to temporary injunction
Following the stay order, Bayview Projects LLP tweeted, "We have just been served the copy of the Order of the District Judge restraining the release of the film...We were not served any notice prior to filing...the said order has been passed after the release of the film and therefore...is infructuous under law." The production company had also expressed their plans to challenge this order in front of the Karnataka High Court.
'Maidaan' is now playing in theaters
Maidaan, featuring Ajay Devgn, Priya Mani, Gajraj Rao, and Rudranil Ghosh, is now playing in theaters. The film brings to life the "golden age" of Indian football during the 1950s and '60s under the guidance of coach Syed Abdul Rahim (Devgn). The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) rated the film U/A with no cuts, requiring only a disclaimer that "the film is a work of fiction inspired by true events available in the public domain."