On Thursday, the Gujarat HC stayed the release of Maharaj, starring Jaideep Ahlawat and Junaid Khan. The film, directed by Malhotra P. Siddharth, was scheduled to be released on June 14, but a day before the release, the Gujarat HC temporarily restrained Yash Raj Films and Netflix from releasing the film.
The decision came in response to a plea filed on behalf of followers of the Pustimargi sect, who argued that the film could disrupt public order and incite violence.The court has also issued notices to YRF, Netflix, and Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan, who is making his debut with the film.
The movie is based on the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, rendered by British judges in the colonial era. The petitioners have raised objections on the grounds that excerpts of the movie has “scandalous and defamatory language, which affects the Pustimargi sect as a whole.”
“Neither the request for private screening has acceded to nor any clarification has been issued. Thus, the refusal strengthens the apprehension on the part of petitioners. Also,the apprehension on the part of petitioners becomes real and serious.It is further submitted that considering the reach of OTT platforms and immediate wide distribution throughout the world, it would be rather impossible to rectify the damage caused by the release of the movie Maharaj.”
“The certification was issued in the year 2023; however, the release is announced only recently and the movie is slated to be aired on 14.06.2024 on OTT platform and therefore, no prejudice will be caused to the respondents if the release is stalled; except the monetary loss. As against this, if the relief as prayed for is not granted, petitioners are likely to suffer irreparable injury for, the reputation of the Pustimargi sect, would be affected. Also, the release of the movie, would hurt the religious sentiments and is likely to cause public unrest, adversely impacting the public order.”