Court Notice Issued to Kangana Ranaut Over 'Emergency' Film Controversy

A Chandigarh district court has issued a notice to actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut regarding a petition seeking an FIR against her film 'Emergency', which allegedly tarnishes the image of Sikhs. The case will be revisited on December 5. The film's release has already been postponed due to certification delays.

A district court in Chandigarh has issued a notice to actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut while hearing a petition seeking to register an FIR against her over the upcoming film 'Emergency'. The court will revisit the matter on December 5.

The petition was filed by advocate and former President of the District Bar Association, Ravinder Singh Bassi. Bassi's petition demands the registration of an FIR against Kangana Ranaut, alleging that her film 'Emergency' tarnishes the image of Sikhs. Along with Ranaut, the film's screenplay writer Ritesh Shah and Zee Studio are also named as respondents.

Bassi claims the movie contains several false allegations against the Sikh community. Earlier, on September 6, Ranaut announced that the release of 'Emergency' had been postponed due to pending certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Taking to X, Ranaut expressed regret over the delay, stating, 'With a heavy heart, I announce that my directorial 'Emergency' has been postponed. We are still waiting for certification from the censor board. A new release date will be announced soon. Thanks for your understanding and patience.' The film, initially set for a September 6 release, portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her imposition of a 21-month emergency period from 1975 to 1977.

The film has faced multiple controversies, including backlash from several Sikh groups. On September 4, the Bombay High Court stated it could not direct the CBFC to issue the certificate as it would contradict an MP High Court order. The case will next be heard on September 19. Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the film's co-producer, approached the Bombay High Court seeking a censor certificate and the film's release.

A petition filed in the Bombay High Court claims the Censor Board has arbitrarily and illegally withheld the film's censor certificate. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)