Even before Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi has hit theatres, controversies continue to shadow its release this Friday. Joining in the latest is a petition by Babuji Rawji Shah seeking a halt on its release for criminal defamation of the eponymous character. The complaint names the producers of the film, actor Alia Bhatt and authors S. Hussain Zaidi and Jane Borges, on whose book the film is based.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court presided over an appeal filed against the order of the Bombay High Court in the matter. The bench comprising Justices Indira Banerjee and JK Maheshwari will further listen to the matter on Thursday.
The suit filed by Gangubai’s adopted son has sought an injunction against Bhansali Productions from producing, directing or airing the promo of any film based on said novel, including Alia Bhatt-starter Gangubai Kathiawadi. It is the contention of the petitioner that the balance of convenience in a defamation suit must always be in favour of the defamed person.
Moreover, it was stated that the Bombay City Civil Court was not justified in dismissing the suit under Order VII Rule 11(d) CPC merely by placing reliance on two judgments of the Madras High Court which should only have a persuasive value on the Court.
Advocates Arun Kumar Sinha, Rakesh Singh and Sumit Sinha appeared for the petitioner. Senior Advocate Siddhartha Dave and DSK Legal appeared for Bhansali Productions.
