The release of the movie Maharaj on Netflix after a stay order was placed against it by Gujarat high court is also something to be majorly celebrated by both Yash Raj Films and OTT platform, Netflix. In fact, it happened today, which is June 21st when the Gujarat High Court lifted the ban. The film was a period drama that was to be released on 14th June via Netflix. However, just one day before its release, its launch was halted by an interim injunction issued by the Gujarat High Court.
Trial proceedings for this case started on June 19 and went on daily basis. With each side making their points in a long and detailed manner. The petitioners were concerned about religious sentiments being hurt among other law and order issues that could arise from the film. Those representing Yash Raj Films as well as Netflix argued that this film is inspired by Saurabh Shah’s book ‘Maharaj’. Which has been around since 2013 without any associated problems. They promised that there were no scenes in the movie that portrayed any religion negatively.
One of the main arguments advanced by the petitioners was that Maharaj depicted events from an actual libel case originating from 1862. The judgment passed in this matter by then Supreme Court of Bombay had been defamatory. Respondents said that while they showed a trial held at that time, never showed or read out judgement.
Justice Sangeeta K Vishen only agreed to watch a part of it before making her decision. Yesterday Wednesday following an application made to her for viewing it. On June 21, Justice Vishen delivered her ruling stating she saw nothing wrong with the exhibition even stressing. Further that it did not implicate the feelings of others towards religion like Pushtimarg sect or petitioner in particular. The judge added gan even after releasing book Maharaj till now no such law and order situation has ever come up. She went ahead to say that even the petitioner’s have not kept any such an occurrence in the record.
Therefore, on June 21st Justice Sangeeta K Vishen vacated the stay order and allowed Netflix to stream the film.
Set in 1862, Maharaj is based on The Supreme Court of Bombay’s, Maharaj Libel Case. Which was fought between a prominent religious figure and Karsandas Mulji, who was a journalist as well as social reformer. It is one of the most important legal battles ever fought according to their press release. Set in 1862 Maharaj also features Jaideep Ahlawat Shalini Pandey and Junaid Khan among others. Sharvari appears in a cameo role. Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra of Hichki (2018) fame.
