The Bombay High Court permitted the release of the film "Hamare Baarah" on June 21, 2024, following the filmmakers' agreement to make specific modifications.
A division bench comprising Justice BP Colabawalla and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla issued the order in response to a writ petition calling for a ban on the film, citing its derogatory content towards Islam and Muslims.
The Court directed that, "In accordance with the court's suggestions, which all parties have accepted, the following modifications will be made. These changes must be implemented before the film's release...."
The petitioner agreed not to object to the film's release once these changes were made.
The filmmakers consented to removing a dialogue and a Quranic verse, as well as adding two disclaimers of 12 seconds each in the film. Additionally, the filmmakers agreed to donate Rs. 5 lakhs to a charity chosen by the petitioner.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) agreed to recertify the film based on the changes by June 20, 2024.
The court heard and decided a writ petition seeking a ban on the movie for allegedly distorting the Quran and portraying the Muslim community negatively.
The petition, filed by Azhar Basha Tamboli, argued that the film, initially set to release on June 7, 2024, and later June 14, 2024, violated the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and related guidelines. It also claimed that the film was incorrectly certified and its release would breach Articles 19(2) and 25 of the Constitution.
The high court had initially delayed the release but allowed it after the filmmakers agreed to remove the objectionable content. However, the petitioners appealed to the Supreme Court, which stayed the release until the high court reached a final decision.
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