Calcutta High Court Denies Interim Order on 'The Diary of West Bengal' Release

The Calcutta High Court has ruled against an interim order to halt the release of the Hindi film 'The Diary of West Bengal.' A PIL had sought to block the film, claiming it depicted the state's chief minister negatively. The court emphasized that in a democratic society, healthy criticism should not be hindered.

On Thursday, the Calcutta High Court declined to pass an interim order preventing the release of the Hindi film 'The Diary of West Bengal,' asserting that in a democratic setup, healthy criticism should not be muzzled.

A PIL had been filed, seeking to stop the film's release, claiming it portrays the state's chief minister in an unfavorable light. Scheduled for release on August 30, the film is directed by Sanoj Mishra.

A bench led by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam, while not inclined to entertain the petition, allowed the senior advocate representing the petitioner three weeks to make detailed submissions. The court emphasized that as a tolerant society, healthy criticism through media like films should be permissible.

(With inputs from agencies.)