More trouble for 'Udta Punjab'? Now petition in Punjab High Court against film

Even as the Bombay High Court granted Udta Punjab a go-ahead , is more legal trouble for the film brewing from another quarter? [caption id=“attachment_2833510” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] More trouble for Udta Punjab?[/caption] On Tuesday morning, The Indian Express and Hindustan Times were among newspapers that reported that a petition has been filed against Udta Punjab in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Jalandhar-based Wattan Sharma has petitioned the court , stating that Udta Punjab depicts “negative branding” of the state and its youth. “If the film is released, it will have adverse repercussions all over Punjab,” Sharma’s lawyer Karan Bharihoke told the court. The petition also referred to allegations that a political party had invested money in the film. Sharma has requested the court to view the film and rule whether or not it can be screened in theatres in Punjab. In response to the petition by Sharma, the HC has asked for a special screening of Udta Punjab. A panel — which includes Bombay HC advocate SN Kantawala — will view the film Tuesday, 14 June, and present a report to the court regarding the film’s content by Thursday. It is believed that representatives from the central government and the Central Board of Film Certification may also be present during the screening, in addition to the petitioner. The Punjab HC also issued a show-cause notice to the centre, CBFC and Udta Punjab’s producers (Phanton Films and Balaji Motion Pictures) seeking their response to why its public screening shold not be restrained. The case will next be heard on 16 June, after Kantawala presents his report — a day before Udta Punjab’s scheduled release date of 17 June.