Bombay High Court criticized Hindustani Bhau for filing a plea against Farah Khan over her Holi remark, calling it unnecessary. The Court questioned the intent, saying it seemed aimed at publicity, not genuine grievance.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday, July 15, strongly criticized social media influencer Vikas Phatak, popularly known as Hindustani Bhau, for filing a petition seeking registration of an FIR against filmmaker Farah Khan.
The petition was regarding a comment she allegedly made about the Hindu festival of Holi, calling it a “festival of Chhapris” on a television show.
A division bench of Justices Ravindra V Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad heard the plea and questioned the seriousness and intention behind filing such a petition.
The judges expressed their displeasure at the nature of the complaint and hinted that the petition may have been filed only to gain publicity.
The bench orally remarked:
“Why are you so deeply hurt? Stop being so sensitive… We have more than 200 matters listed and you bring such issues to the Court—for what? For publicity? To get your name in the headlines?”
The Court made it clear that there were more important matters that required their attention and that such petitions waste valuable court time.
The judges did not find any strong reason as to how such a remark could cause serious harm or emotional hurt to the petitioner, especially if he did not relate to the term used.
Justice Ghuge further commented:
“She called someone a Chhapri, but you are a gentleman. So why are you offended?”
The counsel for Phatak, Advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, informed the Court that after receiving a complaint, the offensive content was already removed from the show.
The Court then questioned the need to continue with the case after corrective action had already been taken.
The bench asked:
“So that means, they have taken it down… People have forgotten it now. Why do you want to pursue it? Why didn’t you simply file an FIR yourself instead of first sending a complaint letter through your lawyer?”
As the Court showed signs of rejecting the petition, the petitioner’s lawyer requested to withdraw the plea. The Court accepted the withdrawal request.
Before closing the matter, the Court made a humorous suggestion to the petitioner through his lawyer. The judges said that the petitioner should consider spending his time watching educational or travel channels instead of focusing on television content that leads to such disputes.
The bench said:
“On a lighter note, your client should watch channels like National Geographic or Travel & Living. I can assure you, your client will be very happy after watching such channels.”
Lastly, the Court advised the petitioner’s counsel to bring forward more genuine and meaningful issues before the judiciary. It reminded the lawyers and petitioners that the courts are already burdened with hundreds of cases, and only important and serious matters should be brought before them.
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The Court concluded with a firm message:
“Bring better causes to the court.”
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