A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi HC requesting a ban on the release of veteran actor Paresh Rawal’s upcoming film, The Taj Story. The petition alleges that the movie spreads misinformation and could potentially disturb communal harmony.
The petition, filed by Advocate Shakeel Abbas, claims that the film, scheduled for release on October 31, presents “fabricated facts” about the Taj Mahal. The plea warns that the content could incite tension between religious communities.
The PIL names the Union of India, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and the film’s production company, Swarnim Global Services Pvt. Ltd, as respondents. According to the petition, a teaser from the film shows the dome of the Taj Mahal being lifted to reveal an idol of Lord Shiva, which has already sparked online debates.
The petitioner asserts that the filmmakers are promoting controversial theories linked to historian P. N. Oak, who claimed the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple. The plea emphasizes that such depictions could undermine public trust in historical facts.
The PIL requests that the Delhi HC direct the CBFC to review the film’s certification and include a disclaimer clarifying that The Taj Story presents a disputed narrative rather than verified history.
Additionally, the petition urges precautionary measures to prevent potential unrest in Agra and other cities following the film’s release. The plea emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace and public order while addressing historical accuracy concerns.
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As of now, the Delhi HC has not yet scheduled a hearing date for the case. Observers note that the court’s decision could set a precedent for how controversial historical narratives in films are handled in India.
