MP High Court Deliberates on Petition Against Release of 'Haq' Film

Court Reserves Decision on Film Release

The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has reserved its judgment regarding a petition seeking to halt the release of the Bollywood film 'Haq', starring Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi. This film, inspired by the Shah Bano case, is scheduled to hit theaters on November 7 (Friday). Justice Pranay Verma of the High Court listened to detailed arguments from all parties involved before deciding to reserve the ruling on the petition.

Shah Bano's Daughter Seeks Film Release Halt

The petition was filed by Siddika Begum Khan, the daughter of Shah Bano Begum, whose life story is depicted in the film. She had fought a legal battle up to the Supreme Court to secure alimony after being divorced by her husband through triple talaq. 'Haq' features Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi in lead roles and is based on the landmark 1985 Supreme Court ruling regarding maintenance rights for Muslim women post-divorce.

Claims of Unauthorized Film Production

In her petition to the High Court, Shah Bano's daughter alleges that the film was produced without the family's consent and misrepresents aspects of her late mother's personal life. The list of respondents in the petition includes the central government, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), director Suparn S. Varma, and three private companies associated with the film.

Accusations of Misrepresentation

During the lengthy court proceedings, Siddika Begum Khan's lawyer, Tausif Warsi, referenced the film's teaser and trailer, arguing that they portray a distorted image of Shah Bano Begum. In contrast, the lawyers representing the companies involved in the film dismissed this claim and urged the single bench to reject the petition.

Historical Context of the Shah Bano Case

Shah Bano Begum was a resident of Indore. In 1978, after being divorced by her lawyer husband, Mohammad Ahmed Khan, she filed a lawsuit in a local court seeking maintenance. Following a prolonged legal battle, the Supreme Court ruled in her favor in 1985, ordering her husband to provide alimony. However, in response to nationwide protests from Muslim organizations, the Rajiv Gandhi government enacted the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act in 1986, effectively nullifying the Supreme Court's decision. Shah Bano passed away in 1992.