HC stalls shooting of Salman-starrer

Taking suo motu cognizance of the collapse of a wall at the protected Amber fort, the Rajasthan high court ordered on Friday discontinuation of shooting of Salman Khan-starrer Veer. At least a dozen people were injured in the mishap on Thursday.

Justices Ashok Parihar and GS Sarraf also issued a show cause notice to the state government to explain why the specified norms to “protect” historical monuments were flouted here.

“Money and greed, coupled with power, create blindness, madness and the person becomes totally insane and insensitive. When the government and public authorities indulge in such practices, there’s great havoc. The episode and mishap that happened in Amber Palace, Jaipur, on Thursday is a glaring example of the same,” the court said.

A two-inch-wide retaining wall leading to the main gate had collapsed on Thursday afternoon after local youth mounted on it to get a glimpse of Salman.

The court also sought a detailed report on how permission for construction of a huge set and film shooting on the premises was granted when there is a restriction on photography and video-shooting in the fort.

The stay order was served on Amber Development and Management Authority officials at around 11.30am.

Veer’s director Anil Sharma, however, said the film’s crew was not responsible for the collapse. “We have constructed a big set and were to shoot here till February 17 while obeying court orders. We hope for relief.”