The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notices to Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, along with producer Alok Jain, director Subhash Kapoor and others, in response to a public interest litigation challenging a song from the upcoming film Jolly LLB 3.
A division bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf on Friday directed the parties to file their replies by Sept. 17, just two days before the film’s scheduled release on Sept. 19.
The petition, filed by advocate Pranjal Tiwari of Jabalpur, argues that the song “Bhai Vakeel Hai” undermines the dignity of the legal profession. Tiwari, represented by advocates Pramod Singh Tomar and Arzoo Ali, cited lyrics including “Rago mein tigdambaazi hai, har taale ki chaabi hai … har case ki package deal hai, fikr na kar tera bhai vakeel hai” as portraying lawyers in a derogatory and frivolous light.
The petition claims the song defames the legal profession, mocks the sanctity of courtroom attire and violates Section 5(b) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which restricts content affecting public morality and decency. Kumar and Warsi are shown dancing in lawyers’ gowns and neckbands, which the petitioner said ridicules judicial decorum and could negatively influence young viewers.
The state’s counsel told the court that the Allahabad High Court had earlier dismissed a similar plea seeking a stay on the film’s release. Taking note, the Madhya Pradesh High Court said the inclusion of the producer and director was crucial for judicial consideration.
Other respondents in the case include the state government, the principal secretary of the home department, the secretary of information and broadcasting, and the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification.
With the hearing set just before the film’s release, the court’s decision will be closely watched by both the legal fraternity and the film industry.
