Chandigarh, Feb 13, 2015:Prohibitory orders against assembly of people and carrying weapons were issued across Haryana Thursday to deal with any situation resulting due to the build-up of tension over the release of controversial Sirsa godman’s movie “The Messnger of God” Friday.Security across Haryana and Chandigarh was tightened Thursday with police and paramilitary forces manning sensitive areas.
It is notable that a Mohali based NGO named Kalgidhar Sewak Jatha had moved to the High Court seeking a ban on the screening of the film in Chandigarh and Haryana, saying it would pose a serious threat to the law and order situation. The petitioner had referred to ban imposed by Punjab government on the screening of the movie.
“The High court division bench said that it will watch the movie first and assess if it hurts sentiments of the people.The court wants to assure itself that the movie has any effect on the peace and tranquility of the society before passing any orders,” said Naveen Saini, counsel for the petitioners who had also presented before the court orders passed by the Censor Board objecting to the release of the film.
Haryana Director General of Police Yashpal Singal urged people to maintain law and order.
“All range inspectors general, police commissioners, superintendents of police and station house officers have been directed to make proper arrangements of security in all cinema halls in their respective districts.
“Section 144 has been imposed in various districts and additional police personnel have been deployed in all cinema halls,” Singhal said.
‘MSG’ was banned by the Punjab government last month following protests in towns and cities across north India, including Delhi, over the film which, Sikh groups allege, “glorifies” the Dera leader who has several criminal cases against him. But with the High Court refusing to stay its release
After being denied a release certificate by the censor board last month, the film got the certificate last week. It is scheduled to be released in over 4,000 screens across India.