Court to hear petition on Dum Maaro Dum ban

The Bombay High Court on Thursday will hear a petition seeking a ban on the release of Rohan Sippy's film Dum Maaro Dum for portrays Goa and Goan women in a bad light.

Savio Rodrigues, who owns a local media website stated in his petition "movie is against public order, decency and morality and there is clear violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India to the people of Goa". The petition has named the state chief secretary, the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, M/s Fox Star studios, and Ramesh Sippy Entertainment as the respondents.

It is also stated that the bad portrayal of the state in Dum Maaro Dum will "create a ripple effect on Goa's tourism" if it is released. The petition also added that Dum Maaro Dum, which is scheduled to be released in April 22, 2011, will attract criminal minded tourists and offenders and drive away decent travellers and tourists from Goa.

Tourism Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar told, "We are worried that Goa may be projected badly in the film. The industry in Goa and the government have worked very hard to build the reputation of Goa to what it is today. We will intervene. The Chief Minister and I will take up the issue with Sippy. (director of the film)."

Dum Maaro Dum stars Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu.