Filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar Denied Protection Amidst FIR Under POCSO For Marathi Film
It is pretty common for the Indian censor board to censor movies that do not really need censoring. However, many times, the reasoning and situation behind the censoring is valid. One of these cases is that of actor and filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar whose movie named Nay Varan Bhat Loncha Kon Nay Koncha has been under scrutiny by the court for showing obscene scenes involving minors.
The bench of Justice SS Shinde and NR Borkar from the Bombay High Court have refused to provide protection to Mahesh Manjrekar and others associated with the Marathi movie in question. A mumbai special court has recently ordered an FIR to be filed under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) against Mahesh Manjrekar and the producers. The FIR was filed in Mumbai at the Mahim Police Station.
Advocate Shirish Gupte who is representing Mahesh Manjrekar argued alongside others. The argument was made that children are meant to be protected under POCSO. However, the film does not show anything happening to the boys and it is simply a creation of art. They said that the scenes from the trailer of the movie were never used and the trailer has also been deleted from YouTube.
Also Read: Supreme Courts Rules Inserting Finger Into Vagina Of Minor Girl Is Penetrative Sexual Assault Under POCSO
Gupte demanded that the scenes which are being described as “obscene” be watched by the bench. However, when the bench said that they don’t need to watch the scenes but only the FIR. Gupte then retaliated saying, “Until and unless you see it, how will you be able to decide whether it is obscene. With due respect, this is not the right view.”
The bench of the High Court before which Mahesh Manjrekar’s petition should have been heard was not available on Friday. Because of this, Gupte was required to argue before Justice Shinde’s bench. After hearing Gupte’s argument the bench said that the accused could file for a bail but they will not be given any protection. They asked Gupte to go to regular bench on Monday.
Gupte continued requesting, “Please protect us until then. This is not a case of custodial interrogation. Let them justify that the custody is necessary. I am not representing a hardcore criminal but an artist.” Madhvi Mhatre and Sangeeta Shinde, who are the assistant public prosecutors opposed the petitions saying that the FIR has been filed in Mahim police station and Manjrekar has been accused severely under POCSO.
The bench concluded by saying “We cannot give a blanket protection,” and added, “nothing will happen until then, you can take it from us Mr. Gupte,” according to India Today.
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