Indian Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan gestures at a function for the forthcoming Hindi film 'Jolly L.L.B.' directed by Subhash Kapoor in Mumbai late January 8, 2013. — AFP Photo
Indian Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan gestures at a function for the forthcoming Hindi film 'Jolly L.L.B.' directed by Subhash Kapoor in Mumbai late January 8, 2013. — AFP Photo

The Allahabad High Court today dismissed a petition, which had accused Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan of having made a "derogatory" remark "with malicious intention" about the Holy Quran in a more than a year-old episode of game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'.

The petition filed by Jhansi resident Mudassir Ullah Khan, who had taken exception to the use of the phrase "racha gaya" (composed) in the context of the Holy Quran by Bachchan in the episode aired on 28 September, 2011 was dismissed by Justice Manoj Misra.

The petitioner had contended that the Holy Quran was "neither written nor created by anybody, rather it came into existence/revealed by Allah (God) Himself" and hence the use of the phrase "racha gaya" was tantamount to "a serious offence" as Bachchan was a "popular figure" and "words used by him affects all communities". According to a report in Times of India.

However, Justice Misra disagreed with his contention and said, "To say 'racha gaya' does not necessarily imply that the Quran was written by some person.

"The phrase can also imply that the Holy Book was composed by Allah Himself, which is another way of saying that it is a revealed scripture," Justice Mishra said.

Through the petition, Khan had also challenged orders of Chief Judicial Magistrate and District and Sessions Judge of Jhansi whereby his pleas for directing the police to register an FIR under sections of Indian Penal Code dealing with hurt caused to religious sentiments were turned down.

He had submitted that while the CJM had dismissed his complaint "illegally and without application of mind", the District Judge turned down his subsequent criminal revision terming it as "frivolous and vexatious" besides submitting that no objection was raised by any "school, institution or the Mohammadan community" nor was there any "fatwa" issued against Bachchan.

Opinion

Editorial

First steps
Updated 29 May, 2024

First steps

One hopes that this small change will pave the way for bigger things.
Rafah inferno
29 May, 2024

Rafah inferno

THE level of barbarity witnessed in Sunday’s Israeli air strike targeting a refugee camp in Rafah is shocking even...
On a whim
29 May, 2024

On a whim

THE sudden declaration of May 28 as a public holiday to observe Youm-i-Takbeer — the anniversary of Pakistan’s...
Afghan puzzle
Updated 28 May, 2024

Afghan puzzle

Unless these elements are neutralised, it will not be possible to have the upper hand over terrorist groups.
Attacking minorities
28 May, 2024

Attacking minorities

Mobs turn into executioners due to the authorities’ helplessness before these elements.
Persistent scourge
Updated 29 May, 2024

Persistent scourge

THE challenge of polio in Pakistan has reached a new nadir, drawing grave concerns from the Technical Advisory Group...