A Srinagar court has issued a pre-cognisance notice to Shivan & Narresh, the designers behind the Gulmarg fashion show, and ELLE India's editor-in-chief.
The notice also includes mentions of unidentified models for "obscenity, hurting religious sentiments during the month of Ramzan, and public consumption of alcohol" in Gulmarg.
The designer duo showcased their new skiwear collection on March 7 at the renowned snow-covered Gulmarg to mark the 15th anniversary of their label.
However, the event sparked widespread backlash, drawing criticism from political parties, religious leaders, and the public.
Although both designers issued a public apology for unintentionally hurting sentiments, the Jammu and Kashmir government has launched an official probe to determine whether the organisers violated the law.
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Meanwhile, the complainant has sought action under Sections 296 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 50-A of the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act, 1958, citing obscenity, hurting religious sentiments during Ramzan, and public consumption of alcohol.
"Perusal of the complaint reveals that the complainant seeks action against three proposed accused for offences under Sections 296 and 299 of BNS and Section 50-A of the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act, 1958, for organising a fashion show in which obscene and inappropriate content was displayed," said Faizan-I-Nazar, Special Mobile Magistrate, Srinagar Railway Magistrate, Kashmir.
"Now before this court applies its mind for taking cognisance, it is mandatory upon this court to hear the accused in terms of the proviso to Subsection (1) of Section 223 BNSS, 2023," the court said, adding that the proposed accused have been put on notice for appearance through registered post.
The court further stated that the matter will be considered for cognisance on April 8, and the accused will be heard before any such consideration.
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