The Bombay High Court on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking to stay the release of the movie Match Fixing – The Nation at Stake, which is based on the 2008 Malegaon blast. The court ruled that the film is a work of fiction and cannot influence the ongoing trial of Lt Col Prasad Purohit, one of the accused in the case.
Purohit, who is currently standing trial for his alleged involvement in the Malegaon blast, had sought a stay on the movie’s release, claiming that it would affect the fairness of the trial. His lawyer argued that the film projected “saffron terror” and tarnished Purohit’s reputation. The movie, scheduled for release on November 15, is said to be inspired by a book already available in the public domain.
The film’s producer defended the project, stating that it was a fictional account based on the book and clarified that a disclaimer would be displayed at the beginning of the film. The disclaimer notes that the film bears no resemblance to any person, dead or alive.
After hearing both sides, the court rejected the petition, stating that the apprehension of the petitioner was not well-founded. The bench, comprising Justices B P Colabawalla and Somasekhar Sunderesan, observed that the movie was a work of fiction and there was no reason to believe it would influence the ongoing trial, which is at the stage of final arguments.
The court further questioned Purohit’s lawyer, asking if he believed judges would be swayed by a movie rather than by the evidence presented in court. It also remarked that the book, which inspired the film, had been available for years without any issue, and that the release of the film could not be delayed due to the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The court dismissed the plea and emphasized that such movies cannot be held accountable for influencing judicial decisions.
In a separate petition, Nadim Khan, who had also sought a ban on the movie claiming it hurt the sentiments of Muslims, withdrew his case on Thursday.
The 2008 Malegaon blast occurred on September 29, when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque, killing six people and injuring over 100. Purohit, along with former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and five others, is facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code for their alleged role in the conspiracy behind the blast.
Sources By Agencies