The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered a temporary halt to police notices issued against actress Raveena Tandon, filmmaker Farah Khan, and comedian Bharti Singh. The notices were related to a 2020 FIR accusing them of hurting the religious sentiments of the Christian community. The stay will remain in effect until the next hearing on July 14, 2025.
The controversy stems from an episode of the 2019 show "Backbenchers," hosted by Farah Khan. In the show, celebrities were invited to test their general knowledge. According to the complaint, the trio allegedly hurt Christian sentiments by comparing the sacred word "Hallelujah" to a vulgar term.
Read Also:- P&H High Court Questions Punjab's Power to Ban Hybrid Paddy Seeds
While hearing the case, Justice Manisha Batra stated:
"At this stage, learned counsel for the petitioner(s) submitted that the respondents have started issuing notices under Section 35 of BNS calling upon them to join investigation. Till the next date of hearing, no such steps shall be taken by the respondents."
The petitioners, represented by a team of lawyers including Mr. Abhinav Sood, Ms. Anmol Gupta, Ms. Mehndi Singhal, Ms. Sayyam Garg, Mr. Jay K. Bhaardawaj, and Mr. Arsh Bir Bhatti, argued that the remarks made during the show were not intended to hurt any religious community. Their plea emphasized that the show was purely meant for entertainment and was a non-fiction quiz show without any deliberate or malicious intent.
As noted by their counsel:
"The show was not being telecast for discussing anything about Christian or Christianity. It was a show for entertaining people and it was a non-fiction quiz show. In this situation, no ill intention on the part of the applicant can be attributed by any stretch of imagination."
Senior Advocate Mr. Akshay Bhan, along with Mr. Ishan Kshetarpal and Mr. Harsh Gupta, also represented another petitioner involved. On behalf of the State, Ms. Himani Arora, AAG Punjab, appeared, while Mr. Gaurav Garg Dhuriwala represented respondent No. 2 in two connected petitions.
Earlier in 2022, the High Court had directed that:
"No coercive steps shall be taken against the petitioners."
In the latest hearing on April 25, 2025, despite the case being set for final arguments, the Court granted respondent No. 2 additional time to file a reply, citing the interest of justice. Until the next date of hearing, the interim protection for the petitioners will continue.
Read Also:- Punjab & Haryana High Court Orders SOP to Tackle Gangster Culture, Calls for Strong Judicial Action
The Court directed that:
"Photocopy of this order be placed on the connected file."
Thus, no further action will be taken against Raveena Tandon, Farah Khan, and Bharti Singh till the next hearing date.
Mr. Abhinav Sood, Advocate Ms. Anmol Gupta, Advocate, Ms. Mehndi Singhal, Advocate,
Ms. Sayyam Garg, Advocate Mr. Jay K. Bhaardawaj, Advocate and Mr. Arsh Bir Bhatti, Advocate,
for the petitioners in CRM-M-2898-2020, CRM-M-3192-2020, CRM-M-10378- 2020, CRM-M-10445-2020, CRM-M-44189-2021.
Mr. Akshay Bhan, Senior Advocate with Mr. Ishan Kshetarpal, Advocate and Mr. Harsh Gupta, Advocate, for the petitioner in CRM-M-9475-2020.
Ms. Himani Arora, AAG, Punjab.
Mr. Gaurav Garg Dhuriwala, Advocate for respondent No.2 in CRM-M-44189-2021 and CRM-M-9475-2020.
Title: RAVEENA TANDON AND ANOTHER v. STATE OF PUNJAB AND ANOTHER
