A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Delhi High Court alleges that Paresh Rawal’s upcoming film The Taj Story for distortion Of history of the Taj Mahal and could provoke communal tension ahead of its release.
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NEW DELHI: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking urgent safeguards against the release of the upcoming Bollywood film The Taj Story, alleging that it distorts historical facts and poses a threat to communal harmony.
The petition, filed by advocate Shakeel Abbas, contends that the movie, slated for nationwide release on October 31, is “based on fabricated facts” and “intended to create communal disturbance among different communities in India.”
What does the Petition Alleges?
According to the PIL, the film’s teaser and promotional posters show the dome of the Taj Mahal being lifted to reveal a figure of Lord Shiva emerging beneath it, a visual that has sparked public debate and concern over its historical and religious implications.
“The film’s visuals and promotions misrepresent the historical legacy of the Taj Mahal and could incite communal disharmony,”
the petition states.
The plea names several respondents, including:
- Union of India
- Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
- Swarnim Global Services Pvt Ltd (Producer)
- CA Suresh Jha (Producer)
- Tushar Amrish Goel (Director)
- Saurabh M. Pandey (Writer)
- Zee Music Company
- Actor Paresh Rawal
The petition further alleges that “the respondents are misleading the public about the true history of the Taj Mahal” and criticizes the CBFC for granting certification without adequate scrutiny.
The petitioner argues that The Taj Story promotes debunked or speculative theories originally proposed by late historian P.N. Oak, who claimed the Taj Mahal was a pre-existing Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a claim widely dismissed by historians and archaeologists.
“When such unverified claims are dramatized in popular media, they risk misleading audiences and undermining academic integrity,”
the plea notes.
CBFC Review and Disclaimers
Citing Article 51A(f) of the Indian Constitution, which calls upon citizens to preserve India’s composite culture, the PIL urges the Delhi High Court to:
- Direct the CBFC to re-examine the film’s certification.
- Ensure the inclusion of a clear disclaimer stating that the film presents “a contested narrative and not a definitive historical account.”
- Take preventive steps to avoid communal unrest, especially in Agra, where the Taj Mahal is located.
The plea also warns that the movie’s release could harm tourism and public order, given the monument’s symbolic and cultural importance.
