Court rejects PIL against ‘Padmavati’

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat high court on Wednesday dismissed the PIL seeking restraint on release of Hindi movie Padmavati on the ground that the Rajput queen’s character has been portrayed in the film in a derogatory manner and historical facts distorted.
A bench of Chief Justice R S Reddy and Justice V M Pancholi refused to entertain the PIL after the film makers argued that the petition was filed at a premature stage.Senior counsel Mihir Thakore for Bhansali Productions argued that the movie is still under production and it has not even reached for the certification to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The filmmakers contended that there is no distortion of historical facts and assured that there is no intention to damage the repute of the queen of Chittorgarh. The petitioner Rajendra Singh Shekhawat of Rajput Karni Sena claimed that the movie depicts Padmavati in captivity of Delhi’s emperor Ala-ud-din-Khilji and there are love scenes involving Khilji and Padmavati. He raised the argument that since Padmavati is a revered figure among the community, her derogatory portrayal in the film will hurt people’s sentiments.
Advocate Nachiket Dave for the film company said that the petitioner’s claims were rebutted and it was asserted that the filmmakers have not taken any liberty with the facts and Padmavati is not shown in captivity of Khilji.
Meanwhile, a group from the Rajput community have moved the Supreme Court demanding a pre-screening of the film before a committee of eminent historians and prominent citizens for the purpose of scrutiny as to whether the film has deviated from historic facts. They have demanded a stay on its release till the film makers correct their mistakes.
These petitioners have also expressed reservations against queen Padmavati being shown dancing in the film. Their argument is that she is worshipped in Rajasthan, and any character assassination of hers would harm religious sentiments.