Supreme Court remarks practically shelve Gujarati film on homosexuality

The Supreme Court's remarks on a Gujarati film has shelved the project even after the censor board had cleared it for release. 

Meghdhanyshya — The colour of life, is a Gujarati movie based on the true story of the 'gay prince of Rajpipla', Manvendra Singh Gohil. 

An appeal was filed against an order issued by the Gujarat High Court, which allowed tax exemption for the film made by KR Devmani, reports The Indian Express.

The Gujarat government grants 100% tax exemption to all Gujarati colour movies produced after April 1, 1997, except for those depicting blind faith, sati, dowry and other social evils. Devmani had applied for the exemption under the same rule. 

Bench of Justices Anil R Dave and Adarsh K Goel granted leave in the matter saying that a section of society may perceive homosexuality as akin to 'social evils.' But this means that the filmmaker now will have to put the project in cold storage because he cannot afford to release it without the exemptions.

The Gujarat government had at the time made its argument in front of the apex court saying that the exemption was denied because the subject of the movie was under the ambit of showing 'social evils'.

When the defence argued that movies like Onir's I am, which has a storyline talking about gay rights, was given a National Award, the bench said, "We agree there can be different views. We know your personal views. But there are people in whose views this may be akin to social evils," reports The Indian Express.