HC refuses interim stay on release of Bengali film based on Sheena case

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court today refused to grant interim stay on the release of Bengali movie 'Dark Chocolate', which is based on Sheena Bora murder case, and said it has faith in Central Board of Film Certification(CBFC) to analyse everything before approving the film for release.

A division bench headed by Justice S C Dharmadhikari was hearing a petition filed by Sheena Bora's step-father Peter Mukerjea, one of the arrested accused in the case, challenging the release of the movie on the grounds that it would violate his fundamental right to have a free and just trial.

Mukerjea had sought the High Court to stay the release of the movie and a direction to the producers to let him see the movie first.

The High Court today, however, said that the movie is not yet ready and will be presented before the CBFC as and when it is ready for release.

"We have complete faith in the CBFC...It works on guidelines. It may analyse the movie and then decide whether to grant certification or not. After the movie is certified for release, you (petitioner) can approach the court again, then we will see if it causes prejudice to you or the trial," the court said.

Earlier, the makers of the movie told the court that the film is inspired from material available freely in public domain on the murder.

Director Agnidev Chatterjee and the producers said that the aspersion that the accused will not get a proper trial is actually casting perverse aspersions on the very foundation of honesty, integrity, sincerity and dignity of the honourable judiciary in whom the makers of the film and the entire country has unstinted and unconditional confidence and trust.

Chatterjee had earlier informed the court that shooting of the film is complete and post-production was going on. He clarified that it will soon be sent to the Censor Board and then be released. The movie stars Mahima Chaudhry in the role of Indrani Mukerjea and Riya Sen as Sheena Bora.