HC notice to Prakash Jha on reference to BJP MLA

Patna: The Patna high court on Friday issued a notice through 'dasti service' (to be served by hand) to filmmaker Prakash Jha and his production house for making alleged derogatory references in their upcoming movie, 'Jai Gangajal', against the people of Bankipur and Lakhisarai as well as the BJP legislator from Bankipur, Nitin Navin.
The notice was issued by the court of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah.The case will come up for hearing on February 29. The film is slated to be released on March 4.
Petitioners Navin and former deputy mayor of Patna Municipal Corporation Vinay Kumar Pappu have urged the court to restrain the release of the film. "A mere disclaimer that the movie is a work of fiction is not sufficient. The MLA has a reputation in society and the right to freedom of expression cannot be stretched to allow such a derogatory portrayal of a person," argued petitioners' counsel.
The petitioners' counsel did not seek a ban on the film. But names like 'Bankipur' and 'Lakhisarai' used in 'Jai Gangajal' should be changed, he pleaded.