The Supreme Court has set aside the petition asking for Pakistani artists in India to be completely banned.The petition asked for total ban on employment to Pakistani artists in India.
A Bench comprising of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice SVN Bhatti upheld a Bombay High Court order in this regard.
As per the plea, it was requested that the Indian citizens should be banned from employing or soliciting any work or performance from Pakistani artists.
Justice Khanna, before dismissing the case, remarked that the petitioner should not be so narrow-minded in his thinking.
Earlier, the Bombay High Court had dismissed a petition in October, leading to the appeal before the Supreme Court.
The High Courtin its observation found that the petition had no merit as it was against cultural harmony, unity and peace.
The High Court had also referred to the recent participation of the Pakistani cricket team in the now-concluded Cricket World Cup tournament in India.
The Bombay High Court had observed that same was possible because of appreciable positive steps taken by the Government of India in the interest of overall peace and harmony.
The High Court went on to reason that the petitioner’s idea of patriotism was misplaced. The court further said that imposing such bans would also violate the fundamental right of Indian citizens to carry on business and trade, the High Court said.
The petition was filed by Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, a self-proclaimed cine worker. He had referred to a ban by the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) that had decided against engaging Pakistani artists in the Indian film industry.
The AICWA’s resolution was purportedly published in various newspapers and on social media handles.
Qureshi had claimed that not granting the relief sought by him would lead to discrimination against Indian artists who allegedly do not get favourable atmosphere in Pakistan.
He further argued that Pakistani artists would try to exploit commercial opportunities in India, which may prejudice Indian citizens by reducing or depriving them of such opportunities.