The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Delhi has sent a legal notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to prevent the release of Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film ‘Emergency.’
The party claims the film inaccurately portrays historical events and figures, particularly those related to the Sikh community, thereby promoting hatred and social discord.
Paramjit Singh Sarna, President of the Delhi Unit of SAD, sent the notice to top officials of the CBFC, urging for the immediate revocation of the certification granted to “Emergency.”
The notice asserts that the film’s trailer misrepresents the Sikh community and distorts historical facts.
Sarna argues that these portrayals are misleading, offensive, and harmful to the social fabric of Punjab and the nation.
According to the notice, Ranaut uses the film not to make a genuine political or historical statement against the Congress party but to target the Sikh community.
The notice accuses Ranaut, alongside her media and political supporters, of deliberately distorting history to incite animosity.
“Such distortion is unacceptable and should be prevented from reaching the public through the film,” states the notice.
Sarna emphasizes the significant role the Shiromani Akali Dal played during the Emergency, particularly under the leadership of figures like Sardar Harchand Singh Longowal.
The party endured mass arrests and police brutality in their fight to restore democracy, contributions that Sarna believes are unjustly neglected in the film.
The notice critiques the film for its negative portrayal of the Sikh community and its failure to acknowledge their struggle against the draconian measures imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Emergency.
Advocates Manmohan Singh Narula and Manjeet Singh Chugh, representing the Shiromani Akali Dal, urge the CBFC to use its authority to block the film’s release. They stress the importance of distinguishing between freedom of speech and the spread of hateful content that could disrupt societal harmony.
“We have called on the CBFC to address this issue within seven days of receiving the notice,” the advocates stated. “Failure to do so will compel our client to pursue legal action for damages and other remedies in the appropriate courts.”
The legal notice highlights the need for accurate representation of historical events and figures, especially those impacting the Sikh community, and calls for strict action to prevent the spread of misleading content.