The Bombay High Court is likely to hear a petition seeking a stay on the release of the controversial film “Match Fixing – The Nation Is At Stake”, which is based on the 2008 Malegaon Blast case, as it perpetuates negative stereotypes against Muslims .

The petition requests a suspension of the film’s release because the film’s trailer contains several “baseless and false” stereotypes depicting Muslims as perpetrators of violence and promoting hatred against the country.

The petitioner, Nadim Khan, stated that he watched the trailer of the film on October 23 on YouTube and was shocked and deeply saddened by certain depictions and references.

“These references are not only disrespectful and disturbing, but also contribute to a broader atmosphere of intolerance and misunderstanding towards the petitioner’s faith (Islam). The trailer contains highly offensive and derogatory content directed at the Muslim community. Although it is a harmful depiction of Muslim characters, “The trailer promotes stereotypes that associate Islam with terrorism and violence. “The depiction undermines the dignity of the Muslim community, hurts their religious sentiments and creates potential for communal discord.” the claim states.

Additionally, the plea points out several “objectionable” facts in the trailer, such as the names of characters who are clearly Muslim and who are shown to be involved in acts of terrorism. He also points out the use of certain phrases like “Allah-u-Akbar” and “Nara-e-Takbir” in conversations, which spread hatred towards India.

“These phrases that have deep spiritual meaning for practicing Muslims are misappropriated in scenes that glorify violence and terrorism against India. The misuse of such expressions is not only disrespectful but also amounts to an affront to the religious beliefs of the Muslim community. This description creates an unfair and false association between Islamic practices and terrorism, perpetuating negative stereotypes against Muslims,” the petition says.

Apart from promoting communal discord, the trailer indicates that terrorism is orchestrated for both political and communal reasons, suggesting political opportunism in the representation of religious groups, the statement said.

“It implies that incidents of violence are exploited to serve electoral interests, further aggravating tensions between two communities. This narrative is highly irresponsible as it deepens mistrust and divides people along religious lines.” underlines the claim.

The film, apart from outraging the religious sentiments of the Muslim community, also infringes on the fundamental rights guaranteed to the community under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India.

This petition was transferred during the holidays and a court of Justices Sandeep Marne and Manjusha Deshpande had allowed the petitioner to amend his petition as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) claimed that it had already granted a certificate for the release of the film.

The court has posted the matter for further hearing on Monday, before a regular bench of the High Court.

Procedures for banning films in a special court

Meanwhile, on Friday (November 8), a special court here in Mumbai allowed the producers of the controversial film to intervene in the proceedings launched by one of the accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, seeking a “ban” the movie at least. until the completion of the trial in the case.

According to accused Sameer Kulkarni, the film would raise questions about the fairness of the trial of the case as it is based on “saffron terrorism”.

The NIA through Special Prosecutor Avinash Rasal also filed its reply to the plea filed by Kulkarni and the agency cited a 2019 order passed by the special court prohibiting any discussion or debate on the subject of trial in the case. The NIA, referring to the film CD produced in the court, said it “resembles the facts and circumstances of the case” and therefore sought “appropriate orders”.

Special Judge AK Lahoti, saw the film’s trailer in open court on Thursday and allowed the film’s makers to intervene in the process. The special court is also likely to hear the plea on Monday.