‘Ram Ke Naam’ screening: Telangana High Court grants interim relief to organizers

Justice Juvvadi Sridevi of the Telangana High Court on Monday granted interim relief to the organizers of the ‘Cinephiles Organization’, allowing them to be exempt from appearing before the Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Malkajgiri, in connection with a criminal case.

By LEGAL CORRESPONDENT

Hyderabad: Justice Juvvadi Sridevi of the Telangana High Court on Monday granted interim relief to the organizers of the ‘Cinephiles Organization’, allowing them to be exempt from appearing before the Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Malkajgiri, in connection with a criminal case. The case stems from a screening of the award-winning documentary “Ram Ke Naam” (In the Name of God) held in January 2024, which led to allegations being filed against two organizers and one participant.

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The Cinephiles Organization, known for promoting pro-people cinema, often screens thought-provoking films at venues like ‘Lamakaan’ to foster a global movement for socially impactful movies. However, the documentary screening led to a criminal complaint, with the organizers charged despite the film being certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and winning several national and international awards. Senior Advocate L. Ravichander, assisted by counsel S. Goutham, represented the petitioners, arguing that the case against them was based on false and vague allegations. Ravichander pointed out that the documentary, which portrays a message of communal harmony, had previously been upheld by the Bombay High Court as promoting unity. He emphasized that the chargesheet lacked substance, and the case should be quashed.

Justice Sridevi issued notices to the de facto complainant and granted interim relief, noting that the petitioners’ presence before the trial court was not required unless deemed necessary by the magistrate. The next hearing has been scheduled for February 4, 2025.