Netflix and Yash Raj Films (YRF) have challenged a temporary halt on the release of Maharaj, a movie starring Junaid Khan, the son of actor Aamir Khan. The Gujarat High Court is set to review the case again on June 19, 2024, to decide whether to lift or extend the stay.
Maharaj is inspired by the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, a significant legal battle judged by British authorities. The case arose from a libel suit filed by religious leader Jadunathji against social reformer Karsandas Mulji.
A weekly newspaper published a story (edited by Mulji) alleging that Jadunathji engaged in inappropriate relationships with female followers and expected devotees to offer their wives for sex. Mulji ultimately won the case, marking a pivotal moment in legal and social history.
Legal Dispute Over Maharaj’s Release
On June 13, a day before the scheduled release of Maharaj on Netflix, the High Court issued an interim stay following a petition by a group claiming to be devotees of Lord Krishna from the Vaishnavite Pustimargi sect.
The petitioners argued that certain excerpts in the movie contain “scandalous and defamatory language, which affects the Pustimargi sect as a whole.” They further claimed that the film’s release could incite feelings of hatred and violence against their community, breaching the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Netflix And YRF’s Defence In Maharaj Stay Case
Netflix and YRF argue that the petitioners are attempting to restrict the portrayal of factual historical events. They emphasise that the movie has already received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and that the contentious parts cited by the petitioners are not included in the film.
The production houses assert that they aim to depict historical truths without causing harm or inciting violence. The release date of Maharaj on Netflix remains on hold pending the Gujarat High Court’s decision.
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