Match Fixing Controversy: HC Refuses To Stay Release Of Vineet Kumar Starrer On Malegaon Blast

Mumbai, Nov 14 (PTI) Bombay High Court on Thursday refused to stay release of movie ‘Match Fixing - Nation at Stake’, based on 2008 Malegaon blast, noting that it was a work of fiction.

A division bench of Justices B P Colabawalla and Somasekhar Sunderesan dismissed a petition filed by Lt Col Pras Purohit, an accused in case, seeking a stay on film claiming that it would impact and influence trial. Purohit’s lawyer said movie projects “saffron terror”.

Purohit claimed that movie, scheduled for release on November 15, tarnished his reputation.

movie’s producer told court it was a work of fiction based on a book alrey available in market.

producer also submitted disclaimer that would be exhibited at beginning of movie which states that film is a work of fiction and bears no resemblance to any person de or alive.

After briefly hearing arguments, bench suggested certain minor changes to disclaimer which producer accepted.

“We do not think that apprehension of petitioner is well founded. movie is based on fiction and hence re can be no apprehension that trial, which is at stage of final arguments, would get affected,” court said.

“Entire apprehension of petitioner is wholly misconceived. Petition is dismissed,” it ded.

court also asked Purohit if he thinks judges in India get influenced by such movies.

“Are you really saying that a judge of Indian judiciary is going to watch a movie and get influenced and forget evidence? When book is not banned why should film be banned? So judge won’t get influenced by book,” HC said.

vocate Harish Pandya, appearing for Purohit, n sought court to stay release of movie at least till after Maharashtra assembly elections, scheduled to be held on November 20.

“Saffron terror is projected in movie,” Pandya said.

court, however, questioned what movie h to do with elections.

“No chance. We are not going to hold film producers at ransom only because of elections. What have elections got to do with this? book is out since years,” HC said.

Meanwhile, anor petition filed by one Nim Khan, also against movie on grounds that it hurts sentiments of Muslims, was withdrawn on Thursday.

Six people were killed and over 100 injured when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a town in north Maharashtra about 200 km from Mumbai, on September 29, 2008.

Purohit, former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and five ors are on trial under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code (IPC) for ir alleged involvement in blast conspiracy.

case was initially probed by Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squ (ATS) before being transferred to National Investigation Agency in 2011. PTI SP NR