‘Fact Finding Committee’ To Watch Controversial Film On Bhagwan Mahavir

Mumbai: Amid the allegation of the Mumbai's Jain community that a film on Bhagwan Mahavir offends their religious sentiments, the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has now ordered the formation of a fact finding committee.

The Hindi language feature film, 1080 Legacy of Mahaveer, based on the lives of Mahavir and Tirthankars or teachers of the Jain faith was slated for release on October 27. However, the launch has been indefinitely postponed owing to the controversy.

MSHRC directs CBFC to file affidavit

During the hearing of an application by Mumbai Jain Sangh on Friday, the MSHRC asked the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) to file an affidavit in the matter. The community also alleged that the film's producers announced the movie's release without the CBFC's nod. Meanwhile, the certification body has submitted to the MSHRC that the film will not be released without a review.

The applicants also asked the commission to include the Maharashtra government as a respondent in the case. “The appeal has been made because there could be a law and order problem if the movie is released,” said Mumbai Jain Sangh lawyer Siddh Vidya. The MSHRC has scheduled the next hearing on December 21, which means that the film can't be released before this date.