In a major relief for the makers of the upcoming Malayalam film Oru Adaar Love, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed all criminal proceedings against the film's technicians, including actor Priya Varrier and director Omar Lulu.
The bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice AM Khanwilkar stayed all criminal proceedings against the film after newcomer Priya and director Omar filed a petition asking for the stay.
The song Manikya Malaraya Poovi from the film ruffled feathers, with a case filed against it in Hyderabad for allegedly hurting Islamic sentiments.
According to Live Law, the apex court has also restrained states from entertaining complaints against Priya or the film, and issued notices to Telengana and Maharashtra.
After the song was released on YouTube on February 9, a complaint against Priya and the director was filed at Falaknama police station in Hyderabad, alleging that the lyrics of the song, describing the love between the Prophet and his first wife Khadeeja, insulted Muslims’ religious sentiments.
Following the FIR registered in Hyderabad, another complaint was filed by the Secretary of Raza Academy in Mumbai. The complaint was given to the Commissioner of Police, seeking that appropriate action be taken against the film's director and the actor.
The complaint also asked for the video to be taken down and not be broadcast anywhere else.
Yet, another complaint was filed against them at Jinsi police station in Maharashtra by a group of people under the aegis of Janjagran Samithi.
The song is a popular Mappila ditty from Kerala that has been in use for the last four decades and was adapted in the film Oru Adaar Love.
It created quite a buzz on social media, with Priya Varrier's wink catapulting her to instant stardom.
However, objections to the lyrics of the song and how it was picturised rose from outside Kerala.
In their petition filed through advocate Haris Beeran in the SC on Monday, Priya and director Omar argued that the criminal cases against them were filed because the complainants have "misunderstood" the lyrics of the song. They also argued that the complaints have in fact "adversely affected their right to life, liberty and freedom of expression under Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(g) and 21 of the Constitution".
Read about the petition in detail here.