The Delhi unit of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has issued a legal notice to the CBFC, demanding the revocation of the certification for Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film “Emergency.” The party’s concerns focus on the film’s portrayal of historical events and figures related to the Sikh community.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi unit of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has taken a firm stand against the upcoming film “Emergency,” directed by Kangana Ranaut. The party has issued a legal notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), demanding the revocation of the film’s certification to prevent its release. The SAD’s concerns revolve around the film’s portrayal of historical events and figures, particularly those concerning the Sikh community during India’s Emergency period.
Legal Notice Sent to CBFC:
The legal notice, spearheaded by Paramjit Singh Sarna, President of the Delhi Unit of the Shiromani Akali Dal, directly addresses the top officials of the CBFC.
In this notice, Sarna insists on an –
“prompt cancellation of the certification granted to the film ‘Emergency'”
which would effectively block its release in cinemas and other platforms.
The notice is primarily motivated by the concerns raised after the release of the film’s trailer, which, according to Sarna, inaccurately depicts significant historical facts. He states that these portrayals are not only misleading but also harmful, as they have the potential to misrepresent the Sikh community and promote social discord.
“These portrayals distort the Sikh community and incite hatred and social discord.”
– Sarna noted in the notice, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Accusations Against Kangana Ranaut:
The legal notice does not stop at criticizing the film’s content but also accuses Kangana Ranaut of using “Emergency” as a vehicle not to make a genuine political or historical statement but to target the Sikh community. Sarna alleges that Ranaut, along with her media and political supporters, has deliberately distorted history.
The notice asserts-
“Such portrayals are misleading, offensive, and detrimental to the social fabric of Punjab and the nation as a whole.”
Further emphasizing the distortion, the notice criticizes Ranaut and her team for their attempt to rewrite history in a way that fosters animosity.
“She, with the support of the media and political backing, is intentionally distorting history to foment animosity.”
-the notice accuses, making it clear that such actions are unacceptable and need to be stopped before they reach the public through the film.
Role of SAD During Emergency:
The Shiromani Akali Dal played a pivotal role during the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the mid-1970s. The legal notice, therefore, highlights the significant contributions of Sikh leaders during this tumultuous period. Sarna mentions that during the Emergency, under the leadership of Sardar Harchand Singh Longowal, the Shiromani Akali Dal was at the forefront of resisting the draconian measures implemented by the central government. The Sikh community, including leaders and common people alike, faced mass arrests and severe police brutality as they fought to restore democracy in India.
However, the notice criticizes the film “Emergency” for allegedly neglecting these contributions.
“The film ‘Emergency’ overlooks these contributions and instead depicts the Sikh community in a negative and unjust light.”
-the notice states, expressing the party’s discontent with the film’s narrative. This misrepresentation, according to the notice, is not only historically inaccurate but also detrimental to the legacy of the Sikh community and its role in India’s democratic history.
Call to CBFC:
Representing the Shiromani Akali Dal, advocates Manmohan Singh Narula and Manjeet Singh Chugh have urged the CBFC to exercise its authority to prevent the release of “Emergency.” They argue that while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it should not be used to spread content that could disrupt societal harmony.
The advocates emphasized-
“It is essential to differentiate between freedom of speech and the dissemination of hateful content that could undermine societal harmony.”
The legal notice sets a seven-day deadline for the CBFC to respond. The advocates warned that if the CBFC fails to take appropriate action within this timeframe, their client would be compelled to pursue legal action for damages and other remedies in the appropriate courts.
“Failure to address this issue within seven days of receiving the notice will force our client to seek legal action for damages and other remedies in the appropriate courts.”
– the notice concludes.
