SC dismisses petition on Fanaa screening

NEW DELHI/AHMEDABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by film maker Mahesh Bhatt seeking a direction for the Gujarat government for the peaceful screening of the Aamir Khan starrer 'Fanaa' in the state.

A vacation bench comprising Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice C K Thakker, however, said if theatre owners in Gujarat like to exhibit the movie, they can seek police protection for the same.

Meanwhile, theatre owners in Gujarat are unwilling to screen Aamir Khan starrer `Fanaa' in the state, despite the Supreme Court saying on Monday that they could seek police protection to exhibit the movie.

 "We have just heard of the Supreme Court decision. However, we maintain our stand of not screening `Fanaa' as Aamir Khan has not yet apologised to the people of Gujarat for his anti-Narmada dam stand," Manubhai Patel, President of Multiplex Owners Association told PTI.

He said Gujarat government was ready to give security for screening of the movie earlier, but the movie was not released in Gujarat due to Aamir's stand.

`Faana' has not been screened in theatres across Gujarat since it was released last week as there were several protests against Khan across the state led by the BJP youth wing.