The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition seeking a stay on the release of the film ‘PM Narendra Modi’. A petition was filed in the court alleging that the movie violates the model code of conduct and it should not be allowed to be released. The model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha election is in force at present, and the movie is slated to release on 5th April, just one week ahead of the first phase of the polls.
Delhi High Court dismisses the PIL seeking stay on release of film ‘PM Narendra Modi’ during the period of Model Code of Conduct, ahead of Lok Sabha elections. pic.twitter.com/6foNQ2Z8Kq
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019
Although the Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition against the movie, several other petitions filed against the release of the movie are still to be decided by other courts in the country. Mumbai High Court has issued a notice to Election Commission seeking its reply to the petition, and EC has to be present in the court during the next hearing in the case with its response.
A similar petition is being heard by Allahabad High Court also, and the High Court has adjourned the hearing till Friday, citing that EC has already issued a notice to the makers of the movie.
On March 20, The Delhi Chief Electoral Officer had issued a suo moto notice to the producers of PM Narendra Modi. The producers have already responded to the notice, saying the biopic has no link with BJP. The film’s producer Sandeep Ssingh, actor Vivek Oberoi and with his lawyer Hitesh Jain appeared before the EC, and they submitted that they have no political agenda behind the movie.
Delhi: Vivek Oberoi and Producer of film ‘PM Narendra Modi’, Sandeep Singh arrive at Election Commission pic.twitter.com/JvCVLaJMvG
— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2019
‘PM Narendra Modi’ is a biographical film based on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and many opposition parties allege that the movie has the potential to influence voters. Actor Vivek Oberoi plays the role of Modi in the movie.
