The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed no criminal action can be initiated against actor Priya Prakash Varrier in connection with a promotional song in the Malyalam film 'Oru Adaar Love'.
The top court stayed any proceedings in the FIR lodged by the Hyderabad police with release of video with a wink scene on February 9 in the background of a traditional Muslim song. A complaint was also filed with the Mumbai police as well by the fringe elements for offending religious sentiments.
After advocate Haris Beeran, representing the 18-year-old actress appeared to challenge the criminal proceedings, a three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice Dipak Misra observed, "What is this happening?"
The counsel submitted multiple complaints have been filed in non-Malyalam speaking states. No single complaint has been filed in Kerala, he said.
On this, the bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, ordered any criminal action against the petitioners, including the movie director and producer, in the respondent states or in any other state for the promotional video of the song shall remain stayed. The court also directed no private complaint would be entertained in the matter.
The 18-year-old actress from Kerala became overnight rage with uploading of the promotional video of the song "Manikya Malaraya Poovi" from the movie on You Tube.
The petition jointly filed by film director Omar Abdul Vahab and producer Joseph Valakuzhy Eapen, relied upon the apex court's order in case of movie 'Padmaavat'.
The petition contended the song "Manikya Malaraya Poovi" is a Mappila Song, or a traditional Muslim song from the Malabar region of Kerala, which praised the love between the Prophet Mohamed and his first wife Khadeeja. It is a part of the Muslim tradition in Kerala and does not offend any religious sentiment of any community or person.
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