Goddess Kali poster row: No coercive action to be taken against Leena Manimekalai, says SC
New Delhi, January 20: Filmmaker Leena Manimekalai has been granted interim protection from coercive action on Friday by the Supreme Court. There were FIRs registered against her in various states over a controversial poster of her upcoming documentary film showing goddess Kali smoking a cigarette.
The Supreme Court bench comprising of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha issued notices to the Centre, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments on her plea. The Apex court noted that a look out circular has been issued.
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"No coercive action should be taken against the petitioner in respect of the FIRs lodged gainst her. At this stage, it may be noted that lodging of FIRs in multiple case may be of serious prejudice. We are inclined to issue notice so that all FIRs can be consolidated in one place in accordance with law," the bench said.
There is no intention to hurt the religious feelings said Advocate Kamini Jaiswal, appearing for Manimekalai.
The plea was filed by Manimekalai sought to club and quash the FIRs registered against her in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the poster, which shows Manimekalai herself dressed as goddess Kali and smoking a cigarette while holding a pride flag. The filmmaker has also sought an ex-parte stay on criminal proceedings emanating from these FIRs.
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- With inputs from agencies
