The upcoming film ‘Match Fixing – The Nation at Stake’ is facing legal challenges as Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking a stay on its release. Purohit’s legal representatives argue that the film closely resembles his life and the ongoing trial concerning his alleged involvement in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. They contend that the movie could significantly damage Purohit’s reputation and career, as he is a decorated officer in the Indian Army.
During the court proceedings, Advocate Aditya Iyer, representing the film’s producers, responded to the petition by raising preliminary objections. Iyer highlighted that another similar case is currently under consideration by a division bench led by Justice BP Colabawalla. He noted that this bench is already addressing a petition from an individual from a specific community who is seeking similar relief regarding the film. Iyer emphasized the existence of parallel legal discussions concerning the portrayal of military personnel and the potential ramifications of the film’s content.
In defense of Purohit’s petition, advocates Harish Pandya and Dhrutiman Joshi pointed to a recent trial court order that mandated controlled media coverage of the Malegaon trial. They argued that the film’s depiction of an army officer resembling Purohit could influence public perception and introduce bias into legal proceedings, thereby being prejudicial to their client’s ongoing trial. Their assertion is that the film trivializes a sensitive legal matter under the guise of artistic expression, raising profound ethical concerns.
The bench, consisting of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj Chavan, questioned the applicability of Purohit’s petition. The judges expressed their skepticism about how the current court could adjudicate this issue when another bench is already addressing related matters. They suggested that Purohit’s petition, categorized as a criminal writ, might be more suitably handled within a civil framework, potentially linking it with the ongoing civil case in front of Justice Colabawalla’s bench.
Purohit’s concerns are heightened by the film’s promotional materials, including posters and trailers, which feature an army officer in a uniform strikingly similar to his own. This resemblance has raised alarm bells, prompting fears that the cinematic representation could lead audiences to associate the character with Purohit’s real-life legal troubles.
Furthermore, Justice Colabawalla’s bench is also examining a petition from Nadim Khan, who has argued that the film’s trailer propagates damaging stereotypes against Muslims. Khan’s plea claims that the film crafts a misleading narrative, suggesting that all Muslims harbor animosity toward India. This petition is set to be heard on November 14, coinciding with Purohit’s legal team’s efforts to expedite their case’s hearing before the same bench.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the release date of ‘Match Fixing – The Nation at Stake’ remains uncertain, contingent upon the Bombay High Court’s final decision on these pressing legal issues. The filmmakers and Purohit’s legal team await a resolution that could significantly impact the film’s future and the public discourse surrounding the sensitive issues it raises.
