A Srinagar court summoned designers Shivan and Narresh, along with Elle, over a complaint regarding the Gulmarg fashion show. Photos from the event went viral on social media, causing widespread controversy in Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has demanded a report on the issue. He has also assured that appropriate action will be taken.
Srinagar: A Srinagar court issued a notice to the directors of the luxury fashion brand Shivan and Narresh, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of Elle India magazine, regarding a criminal complaint related to their recent fashion show in Gulmarg, Kashmir.
Special Mobile Magistrate Faizan-I-Nazar stated that it is essential for the court to hear the accused under Section 223(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) before deciding whether to take cognizance of the complaint.
The judge noted in the order dated March 11,
“Accordingly, the accused are put on notice for appearance through registered post with acknowledgment due, indicating that the matter will be considered for taking cognizance on April 8, 2025. They will be heard prior to this consideration, and if they fail to appear, the matter will be addressed in their absence,”
The order follows a complaint filed by Aadil Nazir Khan, spokesperson for the Awami Ittehad Party, through advocate Naveed Bukhtiyar.
The complaint seeks the prosecution of the directors of Shivan and Narresh and the Editor-in-Chief of Elle India under Sections 296 (obscene acts and songs), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and Section 50-A (drinking in public places) of the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act, 1958.
According to the complaint, the fashion show was deemed obscene and inappropriate, particularly as it took place during Ramadan, a month of fasting for Muslims.
The complaint stated,
“During the course of the fashion show, various aspects of the event including the attire, choreography, and behavior of the participants were found to be obscene and offensive. The content was explicitly sexualized and disrespectful to the religious and cultural sensibilities of the Muslim community, especially within the context of Kashmiri culture. Additionally, holding the event during Ramadan was especially inappropriate and appeared intended to insult the religious sentiments of Muslims,”
It also claimed that the show involved public consumption of alcohol, which violated standards of public decency and moral conduct during Ramzan.
“The consumption of alcohol during Ramadan is particularly offensive as it contradicts the values of abstinence that Muslims observe during this holy month.”
The fashion show, with photographs that recently went viral on social media, sparked controversy in Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for an investigation and promised action.
Abdullah posted on X on March 9,
“The shock and anger are entirely understandable. The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities, especially during this holy month. My office has been in contact with local authorities, and I’ve requested a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow based on this report,”
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