SC to hear Jha's plea on Aarakshan release

Filmmaker Prakash Jha has moved the Supreme Court following the ban imposed on the release of his film, Aarakshan in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. The filmmaker has sought the direction of the apex court to lift the ban imposed by these states. His plea will be heard on Tuesday, August 16.

“One is always hopeful, we were taking a chance. We tried our best, court also co-operated with us, court ran out of time. It is on the general list on Tuesday. Film has successfully run throughout the country except for the three states. No case of untoward incident anywhere. Whatever will happen, will happen. Every territory is important. It is more important that people are able to enjoy it. Supreme Court should allow the film to be released in all states," Jha told PTI.

Following the decision of the Uttar Pradesh governments to ban the release of Aarakshan, objecting certain controversial scenes and dialogues in the film, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh have followed suit. The UP government has banned the film for two months citing law and order problem. The Andhra Pradesh government too decided to ban its release till the Committee constituted for the purpose comes up with its report.

Aarakshan, which deals with reservation in education, has invited the wrath of some Dalit organisations and political parties though the Censor Board has cleared it for screening. The film featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone, has hit the theatres yesterday (August 12) except in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.