Karnataka government has banned the screening of the Hindi movie Hamare Baarah for at least two weeks after some Muslim organisations raised concerns.
In an order, the government stalled the release of the film and its trailer in electronic media, social media, film theatres, private television channels or other media.
The order said several Muslim organisations had appealed to the government not to allow the screening of the movie which portrays Islam in an “instigative and derogatory manner”, and giving permission to such a film would lead to hatred between faiths and communities.
The organisations said a conspiracy has been going on to target a particular faith, disturb peace and hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims.
On Thursday, Home Department under-secretary BK Bhuvanendra Kumar issued the order banning the release of the film and its trailer in electronic media, social media, cinema theatres, private television channels and other media for two weeks or until further notice.
The ban was imposed under sections 15(1) and 15(5) of the Karnataka Cinemas Regulation Act, 1964.
Although Section 15(2) of the Act requires the government to issue a notice to the filmmakers before imposing a ban, the order stated that there was not enough time to fulfil this requirement because the film’s director, Kamal Chandra, and producers Birendra Bhagat, Ravi S Gupta, Sheo Balak Singh, Sanjay Nagpal and others reside outside Karnataka.
The Bombay High Court has also withheld the film’s release until June 14.
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