Don’t follow Maulana blindly: Bombay HC clears ‘Hamare Baarah’ for release, emphasizes women’s empowerment

MUMBAI: Annu Kapoor's movie 'Hamare Baarah' is neither offensive to religious sentiments nor distorts teachings of Quran, the Bombay High Court ruled giving the green signal for its release.

The Court has granted permission for the release of ‘Hamare Baarah’ with a few cuts, agreed to by the filmmakers.

A division bench consisting of Justice BP Colabawalla and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla issued the order.

Also Read - Supreme Court halts release of Annu Kapoor's 'Hamare Baarah', public questions move

Earlier the Supreme Court had suspended the release of the movie until decision, on merits, of the plea before the Bombay High Court challenging the release of the film.

Deciding this plea in favour of the movie, the Bombay High Court opined that the movie is infact promoting women’s empowerment.

“The movie is in fact for the upliftment of women. The movie has a Maulana misinterpreting the Quran and in fact one Muslim man objects to the same in the scene. So this shows that people should apply their mind and not blindly follow such Maulanas,” stated the High Court.

However, noting that the film's trailer contained uncertified scenes as well, the Court imposed a fine of Rs. 5 lakh on the filmmakers, directing for the amount to be donated to a charity of the petitioner's choosing.

“Violation was there vis-a-vis the trailer. So, you will have to pay something towards a charity of the petitioner’s choice. Cost will have to be paid. This litigation has got the film so much unpaid publicity,” the High Court directed.

The Bombay High Court had set up a Committee to review the film after a plea objected to its release stating it offended Muslim religious sentiments and was derogatory towards Muslim married women.

Also Read - Bombay High Court refuses to stay release of film 'Hamare Baarah' [Read Order]

However, after reviewing the final version of ‘Hamare Baarah’, the bench noted that all objectionable scenes had been removed.

While it was originally set to release on June 14, there is confirmation yet on the film's new date of release.

During the hearing, the judges mentioned that they had found the film's teaser offensive.

"This morning we reviewed the teaser, and it contains objectionable material," Justice Mehta had commented.