SC stays release of 'Hamare Baarah’ that portrays Muslims negatively

The Supreme Court has issued a stay on the release of the film Hamare Baarah, a day before its scheduled premiere. The decision came after the court reviewed a petition that contested the Bombay High Court's previous refusal to halt the film's release, which is alleged to be derogatory to the Islamic faith.

The Supreme Court has directed the Bombay High Court to expedite its decision on the matter. The controversy arose from claims that the film misrepresents a verse from the Quran and portrays Muslims negatively. Despite the filmmakers' compliance with an earlier Bombay High Court order to remove objectionable scenes from promotional materials, the Supreme Court found the teaser still contained problematic content.

During the hearing, the filmmakers' counsel argued against the stay, citing potential financial losses. However, the Supreme Court maintained that the offensive nature of the teaser raised concerns about the entire film, suggesting that the filmmakers' efforts to modify the teaser were insufficient.

Previously, the Bombay High Court had initially restrained the film's release until June 14, ordering the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to form a panel to review the film. The High Court later allowed the release on the condition that specific dialogues be deleted. The CBFC panel, however, requested more time to provide their feedback, which the High Court did not grant.