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The Bombay High Court has rejected a petition seeking a total ban on Pakistani artists performing or working in India, stating that being a true patriot doesn't mean being hostile to foreigners.
So what does this mean for Pakistani artists? Let’s decode
Why was the ban imposed?
A few years back, when Pak artists including actors, singers, among others were exponentially working in Indian cinema, were busy with several upcoming projects.
Soon after the URI Attack in 2016, many of those projects got shelved as these artists had to face ban by several film bodies in India and after the 2019 Pulwama attack, the ban was made widespread.
The High Court’s Ruling
The Bombay High Court recently, in a ground-breaking decision, allowed Pakistan artists such as Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan to work in Indian films and web shows.
The court maintained that promoting cultural harmony and peace takes precedence over nationalistic animosity, and that arts and culture transcend nationalities and nations.
What did the court say?
The Court dismissed a petition seeking a complete ban on artists from Pakistan to perform or work in India, and observed that in order to be a patriot, one does not need to be inimical to those from abroad, especially from the neighbouring country.
“A person who is good at heart would welcome in his country any activity which promotes peace, harmony, and tranquillity within the country and across the border”, it said.
Bottomline
The court dismissed the plea, saying that there is no evidence to support the claim that Pakistani artists pose a security threat. The court also said that banning Pakistani artists would be a violation of their right to freedom of expression.
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