Allahabad HC Stays Telecast Of Documentary 'India...Who Lit The Fuse’, Issues Notice To Al Jazeera

Prayagraj, June 15 (TNA) The Allahabad High Court has stayed the telecast of the documentary film 'India..Who Lit The Fuse' and notice has been issued to Al Jazeera Media Network Pvt. Ltd. news channel Doha (Qatar). The Court has directed the Central and State Governments to comply with the order and take steps to maintain social harmony and protect the interests of the State.

Along with this, all the opposition have been asked to reply on the petition. The next hearing in the case will be on July 6. This order was given by a division bench of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Ashutosh Srivastava on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Sudhir Kumar. Advocate KM Tripathi, Additional Advocate General of the State Government PK Giri and Advocate Gaurav Chand of the Government of India argued on behalf of the petitioner.

The petitioner says that in 2015, the broadcast of Al Jazeera channel was banned in India for five years. The channel has now announced the telecast of this film. If allowed, the law and order of the country will be affected. Religious frenzy and hatred will spread. The fabric of secularism of the country will be destroyed. There is a possibility of disturbance of public peace. The film is based on a fictional story far from reality.

The court said, Article 19 of the Constitution gives freedom of speech and expression. It is a fundamental right but it is not uncontrolled. Reasonable restrictions can be imposed. Under Article 19 (2), the government has the right to control the freedom of expression in the interest of the country and society. This film will disturb the social harmony. Therefore, till the film is examined and considered, its telecast should be banned. The court has directed the central and state government to follow the order and take steps for security.