Delhi HC declines PIL alleging movie ‘Aankh Micholi’ as disparaging to PwDs
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK New Delhi, Jan 15: A plea alleging that the movie “Aankh Micholi” disregards the rights of people…
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Jan 15: A plea alleging that the movie “Aankh Micholi” disregards the rights of people with disabilities (PwD) and presents characters with varied disabilities in a “extremely derogatory and insensitive manner” was dismissed by the Delhi High Court on Monday.
Courts do not interfere with CBFC certification: HC bench
A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora mentioned that in the realm of cinematic works, considerable creative freedom is allowed, and once a movie obtains certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), courts typically refrain from intervening.
The bench dismissed the plea and remarkedTop of Form, “We do not want too much censorship. We are one of the few countries where there is prior censorship. We are a country where scenes are deleted before the film’s release.”
“We don’t interfere until and unless it is malafide. There are large number of judgments in this regard,” the bench stated.
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The movie was released on November 3, 2023, with Paresh Rawal, Abhimanyu Dassani, and Mrunal Thakur in the key roles.
PIL claims movie violative of PwD rights
Nipun Malhotra, the petitioner, is a disability rights activist who has a loco motor disability. He claimed that the film violates the rights of multiple PwD classes, including those who have speech, vision and hearing impairments, among others and disparages them.
The petitioner, represented by attorney Jai Anant Dehadrai, argued that it is a very unsettling and upsetting illustration of people with disabilities (PwDs) that violates both recognized legal protections for PwDs’ rights and dignity as well as established societal norms.
The petition argued that the film contains scenes and characterizations that are not only objectionable but also perpetuate detrimental stereotypes.
