NCP to challenge HC’s okay for Godse play reading

The state government had banned the play Mee Nathuram.. in 1998, following a public debate over the question of overt glorification of Nathuram Godse. The Stage Performances Scrutiny Board of the state government had found that dialogues in the play belittled Mahatma Gandhi and put Godse on a pedestal. The play stayed offstage for two years. However, Hindu Jagran Manch recently demanded a reading session to commemorate the 90th birth anniversary of Godse. While the state government, Thane police commissioner in particular, did not allow the reading, author Pradeep Dalvi filed a writ petition challenging the ban. He challenged the government’s prohibitory orders passed under the Criminal Procedure Code and order of forfeiture of copies of the play.

As per Justice Chandrachud’s order, democracy must recognise the rights of those who follow the mainstream as well as those opposed to it. “Freedom of speech can be regulated, subject only to strict conditions. The state government must be careful while policing culture and control of thoughts.”

While the vacation judge allowed the Friday night play reading, the matter regarding the performance of the play will be decided on June 5. After the order was passed on Friday night, Gadkari Rangayatan wore a jubilant look. Despite the strong police bandobast near the theatre, friction took place between activists of NCP and Jagran Manch. Sena leader Anand Dighe was present on the occasion. Police arrested Awhad and 50-odd NCP activists in this regard.

As per the allegation made by Awhad, the play was not just read, but enacted on Friday at Gadkari Rangayatan, contrary to court orders. “The artistes read out the dialogues with extraordinary effect, supplemented by background music, including the sound of the bullets fired at Gandhiji,” Awhad said.

Dighe admitted the reading was supplemented by the background score. “What’s the harm with sound effects?” he counter-questioned. Meanwhile, he said the HC order has “reinstated his faith in Indian judiciary.” “If the case is dragged to higher courts, we are ready to fight the legal battle. By the way, I don’t hold Mahatma Gandhi in high esteem. If he had lived for three more years, he would have created another Pakistan. His death proved beneficial to the country,” Dighe said.