The nationwide release of Madhuri Dixit-Juhi Chawla starrer Gulab Gang, slated to hit theatres this Friday, was today derailed for nearly nine weeks with the Delhi High Court ordering stay on its screening on a plea of activist Sampat Pal who claims the film is based on her group Gulabi Gang, comprising women vigilantes in UP wearing pink sarees.
Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva restrained the film's producers, Sahara One Media and Entertainment Ltd, and their agents from "releasing, exhibiting, distributing and promoting" the film in India till the next date of hearing on May 8, saying "irreparable damage and injury" would be caused to Pal if it is released.
It noted in its order that while the producers might suffer monetary loss, Pal will suffer both financial loss, as her copyright over Gulabi Gang has been used without her permission, as well as loss of reputation "which cannot be calculated in terms of money".
The court directed the film's producers to immediately inform their distributors about the injunction on its release.
Justice Sachdeva observed that while the release of the movie can be pushed back, "reputation once lost will not come back".
"Should we permit someone to be defamed? How do you compensate for loss of reputation?" the bench asked the producers and added "if the defendants (producers) at their own risk make a film depicting a person in a negative light, they will have to take responsibility for the same".
Pal in her plea has claimed that her permission was not sought prior to making of the film and had alleged that it contains defamatory content which would adversely affect her reputation.
She has alleged that as per the film's promos, the lead actress playing her character was shown as an anti-social element, wielding swords and sickles, contrary to her real life persona.
Pal was present in court, dressed in a pink saree, which has come to symbolise her group.
Her group is actively involved in fighting social injustices against women, at times, adopting unconventional means.
It was formed in 2006 by Pal in UP's Banda district. This region is marked by a deeply patriarchal culture, rigid caste divisions, female illiteracy, domestic violence, child labour, child marriages and dowry demands.
It hit the spotlight by punishing oppressive husbands, fathers and brothers, coming to the aid of women being repeatedly subjected to domestic violence.
