Delhi High Court lifted its stay order today, March 06, 2014, thereby allowing the nationwide release of Gulaab Gang as scheduled on March 07, 2014.
Gulaab Gang is allegedly based on the life of activist Sampat Pal and her organisation Gulabi Gang, even though the producers and the film’s director Soumik Sen have denied it.
Earlier in the day, a bench of acting Chief Justice B. D. Ahmed and Justice S. Mridul agreed to hear the plea of film’s producers, Sahara One Media And Entertainment Ltd.
The producers approached the division bench challenging the order of the single judge who on Wednesday, March 05, 2014 stayed the release till May 08, 2014.
Sampat Pal claimed in her petition that the film is based on her group Gulabi Gang, comprising women vigilantes in UP wearing pink saris.
Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva had restrained the producers of Gulaab Gang and their agents from releasing, exhibiting, distributing and promoting the film in India till the next date of hearing on May 08, 2014, stating that irreparable damage and injury would be caused to Sampat Pal if the film is allowed a release.
The single judge had noted that while the producers might suffer monetary loss, Sampat Pal would suffer both financial losses, as her copyright over Gulabi Gang has been used without her permission, as well as loss of reputation, which cannot be calculated in terms of money.
Sampat Pal in her plea has claimed that her permission was not sought prior to making of the film and had alleged that it contains defamatory content, which would adversely affect her reputation.
She has alleged that as per the film’s promos, the lead actress playing her character was shown as an anti-social element, wielding swords and sickles, contrary to her real life persona.
An ecstatic Milap Zaveri took on to twitter and wrote, “Gulaab Gang to release tomorrow. High Court cancels the stay. Justice prevails! Rock the Box Office now.”
Here’s wishing team Gulaab Gang all the best at the Box Office.
