A rather charged atmosphere filled Courtroom No. 3 of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the film 120 Bahadur came up for its first detailed hearing. The petitioners, representing the Sanyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha, insisted that the movie “distorts the collective heroism” of the 1962 Battle of Rezang La, a battle deeply etched in the memory of Haryana’s Ahir community.
There were murmurs in the gallery-mostly veterans and local supporters-who had travelled from Rewari and nearby towns, hoping their version of history would be acknowledged.
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Background
The controversy revolves around the legendary C Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment, which fought in the Chushul sector during the Sino-Indian War. According to the petition, the unit was made up predominantly of 113 Ahir (Yadav) soldiers from Rewari and adjoining villages. Out of 120 soldiers, 114 were martyred. For decades, locals have regarded this episode as an unparalleled symbol of “collective valour”.
The petitioners told the court that the film, instead of showing the joint courage of the men, places exclusive spotlight on Major Shaitan Singh, PVC, but under the fictional name “Bhati”, thereby turning the narrative into what they called “a hero-centric drama that wipes away a community’s sacrifice.”
“The battle was not a one-man show,” counsel argued. “This film quietly erases the identity of those who fought shoulder to shoulder.”
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The plea also invokes Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, which prohibits films that distort historical facts, and Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita dealing with imputations against deceased persons.
Court’s Observations
During the hearing, the division bench appeared cautious but attentive. The judges noted that cinemas do enjoy creative freedom, but that freedom is not absolute, especially when a film claims to be based on real events involving martyrs.
At one point, the bench remarked, “If a film diverges too far from the truth while presenting itself as factual, the court must at least verify whether public memory is being unfairly tampered with.”
The petitioners repeated that the filmmakers should either change the title to 120 Vir Ahir or clearly declare the work as pure fiction. Counsel argued that the present title, paired with fictionalised elements, “misleads viewers into believing this is a faithful retelling.”
The bench also asked whether the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had examined the historical accuracy concerns raised by community groups. A brief silence followed, indicating perhaps that due process details were not entirely clear.
“The bench observed, ‘We need to understand what certification process was followed and whether objections were considered at all.’”
The court added that historical portrayals, especially involving war heroes, cannot be treated like casual storytelling. “Families of martyrs carry emotional stakes. That sensitivity cannot be brushed aside,” one judge remarked.
Decision
After hearing both sides for nearly an hour, the High Court chose not to pass any immediate restraining order on the film. Instead, it issued notice to the Union government, the CBFC, and the film producers, seeking their responses within the stipulated time. The bench clarified that the matter involves both cultural sensitivity and statutory obligations, and therefore requires careful examination.
With that, the hearing ended, and the court adjourned the case for the next date.
Case Title: PIL Against Release of Film “120 Bahadur” for Alleged Distortion of Rezang La Battle History
Court: Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh
Case Type: Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Petitioners: Sanyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha and others
Respondents: Union Government, CBFC, and film producers of 120 Bahadur
