On 9th May, Madhya Pradesh High Court issues notice to Kareena Kapoor Khan over ‘Bible’ use in book title, following petition alleging offense to Christian sentiments.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
BHOPAL: On 9th May, The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a notice to Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan in response to a petition seeking the registration of a case against her. The petition alleges that Khan has hurt the sentiments of the Christian community by using the word ‘Bible’ in the title of her book on pregnancy. The single-judge bench, headed by Justice Gurpal Singh Ahluwalia, issued the notice on a plea filed by advocate Christopher Anthony, who challenged an earlier order dismissing his plea to register a case against Khan.
The High Court’s order, issued on May 9, stated-
“Notice is to be issued to the respondents upon payment of the process fee through RAD mode, to be completed within seven working days.”
The respondents in the case include Kareena Kapoor Khan, Amazon Online Shopping, Juggernaut Books, and the co-author of the book.
ALSO READ:Allahabad High Court Sets December Date for Gyanvapi Mosque Title Dispute Amid Judicial Debate
Anthony initially filed a complaint with a local police station in Jabalpur, alleging that Khan’s use of the word ‘Bible’ in the title of her book, titled “Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Pregnancy Bible,” was offensive and hurtful to the sentiments of the Christian community. However, the police refused to register an FIR (First Information Report) based on the complaint. Undeterred, Anthony then decided to file a private complaint in a Magistrate court, seeking similar relief.
Unfortunately for Anthony, the Magistrate court rejected his plea, stating that he failed to establish how the use of the word ‘Bible’ hurt the sentiments of the Christian community. Unsatisfied with the ruling, Anthony took his case to the Additional Sessions Court, hoping for a different outcome. However, the Additional Sessions Court also refused to grant any relief, leaving Anthony with no choice but to approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
During the proceedings, Anthony appeared as a party-in-person, representing himself. The state was represented by panel lawyer Dilip Parihar.
This controversy surrounding Kareena Kapoor Khan’s book title has sparked a debate about freedom of expression and religious sensitivities. While some argue that Khan has the right to choose the title of her book, others feel that the use of the word ‘Bible’ in a non-religious context could be seen as disrespectful and offensive to the Christian community.
The court’s decision to issue a notice to Kareena Kapoor Khan indicates that the matter will be further examined and deliberated upon. It remains to be seen how the case will unfold and what arguments will be presented by both sides.
ALSO READ: Supreme Court Clarifies: Agreement to Sell Does Not Transfer Property Ownership or Title
Meanwhile, Kareena Kapoor Khan and the other respondents named in the petition will have to respond to the notice within the stipulated time frame. The controversy has also brought attention to the role of publishers and authors in ensuring that their creative works are sensitive to religious sentiments and avoid unnecessary provocation.
Case Title:
Christopher Anthony vs Kareena Kapoor Khan
FOLLOW US ON X FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
Case Title:
[Christopher Anthony vs Kareena Kapoor Khan].
