"Maharaj" petitioners ought to deposit ₹100 cr at the High Court, according to Yash Raj Films

AHMEDABAD: The production firm behind "Maharaj," Yash Raj Films, informed the Gujarat High Court on Friday that if the film is deemed to be in good taste, it will pursue damages from the petitioners who asked the court to order its removal.

On June 19, Justice Sangeeta K. Vishen, who is now considering numerous petitions against the film, which features Junaid Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat in the key parts, declared that she will see the movie before continuing the hearing. Later on Friday, the court is anticipated to make a decision regarding the petition's admission or dismissal.

Senior attorney Shalin Mehta, representing Yash Raj Films, stated during a hearing on Friday that the petitioners needed to pay ₹100 crore after the court rendered a decision. "There are only two possibilities: the injunction may stay in place if the court determines that the movie does not meet the Supreme Court's definition of art. Mehta stated, "They have to deposit ₹100 crore to the court and we can give calculations (of the losses incurred) if the court finds that the movie is in good faith."

Maharaj is based on a historic 1862 libel case brought by prominent Vaishnavite leader Jadunathji against social reformer and journalist Karsandas Mulji. Although the case filed in the Bombay High Court is genuine, the movie is based on the best-selling Gujarati author Saurabh Shah's 2013 novel on the case.

Members of the Pustimargi sect are among the petitioners who are requesting a permanent injunction to prevent the film's release. They contend that the film portrays the Vaishnav sect negatively and could instigate hatred and violence against them. The petitioners claimed that because of the film's allegedly contentious portrayal of particular characters and behaviors—which is based on the "Maharaj libel case of 1862"—it could negatively impact public order and offend religious sensibilities.