Court dismisses obscenity charges against controversial Gulmarg fashion show

What began as a snowy spectacle veiled in controversy has ended in a clear victory for resort-wear maestros Shivan and Narresh. On May 2, a Srinagar court threw out a petition accusing the designers and the editor-in-chief of Elle India, of staging an “obscene” ski-wear showcase in Gulmarg on March 7.

The complaint targeted two runway snapshots, one of a female model in a sporty bikini and a male model in boardshorts - claiming they violated public decency laws and offended religious sentiments during Ramadan. But Special Mobile Magistrate Faizan-i-Nazar ruled that within the context of a full ski- and après-ski collection, “skimpy” swimwear worn on a fashion runway fell well short of legal obscenity. He noted multiple other looks featured head-to-toe outerwear and technical gear, underscoring the event’s clear focus on high-altitude fashion rather than provocation.

The petition also alleged unauthorized public drinking under the Jammu & Kashmir Excise Act. The court dismissed this charge too, pointing out that only excise authorities, not private individuals, can challenge licensed alcohol service. Indeed, organisers had secured a valid four-hour permit for on-site refreshments well before showtime.

This ruling underlines a key principle in Indian law: obscenity must be judged against broad, contemporary community standards, not the most sensitive sensibilities. By applying that principle, the court effectively defended creative freedom in fashion, allowing designers to blend daring, modern silhouettes with context-appropriate styling.

With the legal cloud now lifted, Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja can refocus on what they do best-crafting art-infused ski jackets, vibrant après-ski pieces, and yes, the bold swimwear that first grabbed headlines. Their “Ski & Après Ski 2025” collection, celebrated for its vivid prints and technical excellence, stands as proof that pushing fashion boundaries on powdery slopes need not compromise cultural respect or legality.

In the end, Gulmarg’s runway row became more than a local kerfuffle, it was a test of how far fashion can explore without fear. And today, Shivan & Narresh have emerged unscathed, ready to conquer winter wardrobes once again.



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