A group of Pune-based lawyers has moved an intervention application opposing the suit for a ban on the controversial film Deshbhakt Nathuram Godse , which attempts to bestow a patriotic halo around Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin.
The group is headed by Gandhian activist and human rights advocate Asim Sarode.
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Sarode said they were of the firm opinion that such a film was “utterly incapable of denting the stature of someone like Mahatma Gandhi.”
The application notes that while Godse was no patriot and was in fact a murderer, the film ought to be released as per Article 19 — protecting a person’s right to freedom of speech and expression.
“It is true the film attempts to project Godse as a patriot and Gandhi as anti-Hindu. In doing so, the director is projecting half-truths in an exaggerated manner. Even then, under Article 19, the State shall provide a person following a different philosophy an environment to freely express his thoughts,” says the brief, noting that such defamatory action (the film) would not “hurt Gandhi’s image or immortal thoughts.” The controversial film, slated for release on January 30, is directed by Munna Kumar Sharma, who is general secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha.
