Row over ‘Agnes of God’: Maharashtra government won’t ban play, says Eknath Khadse

[related-post]

“The state government cannot, ad hoc, enforce a ban on the play. The censor board has issued a certificate to the producers and the director to go ahead with the play in its original form without removing any scenes, which are being objected to by the Catholic Church of India, the Catholic Christian Secular Forum and others,” Khadse said.

He said the government understood the concerns raised by various members of the community. “But since the censor board has issued a certificate… it would amount to interfering with its decision. However, after considering all aspects, the state government would still discuss the matter,” he said.

Also Read: Play facing ban threat opens to cheers, applause in Mumbai

Also Read: Meet Bro Joe – the man at the forefront of protests

The minister said those objecting to the play should first approach the censor board and court.

Various Catholic forums in Mumbai and across India have complained about the “wrongful portrayal” of a nun. They told the minister that such a projection hurt the sentiments of the community. The associations threatened to stop the play if the government failed to intervene and enforce a ban.

Agnes of God director Kaizaad Kotwal too met Khadse and explained that there was no intention to defame any community. It was just a play, he said.

Earlier, the CBCI had said allowing such a play would hurt the sentiments of lakhs of clergy who observe celibacy. It would also hurt the sentiments of people who have faith in nuns, it said.

The organisation had written a letter to the government, expressing its reservations.

“A misinterpretation of religious belief of the Christian community, a wrong portrayal of the character of lakhs of the clergy committed to a life of celibacy, and a mockery of lakhs of religious sisters working selflessly with dedication and generosity, this play will deeply hurt the sentiments of Christians, who are made easy targets, for no fear of retaliation and taken for granted for their peace loving nature,” the letter of CBCI Cardinal Baselios Cleemis stated.

Two versions of the play are also under production in Kerala and Hyderabad. The Hyderabad-based production directed by Vinay Varma is to premiere on October 9.

Cardinal Cleemis had said the CBCI had requested Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to give necessary instructions to the chief ministers of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala to ban the play, pending a study of various aspects in this “crucial” and “sensitive” issue.