Aamir Khan, four others issued notice for insulting 'mallah' community in 'Thugs of Hindostan'

Jaunpur district judge Madan Pal Singh on Tuesday issued a notice to Bollywood actor Aamir Khan along with four others after a review petition was filed by plaintiff Hansraj Chaudhary against the film 'Thugs of Hindostan' for defamation and hurting sentiments by insulting the 'mallah' community. The defense has been asked to put forth its arguments in the case on April 8 when the next hearing is scheduled to take place. 

Hansraj Chaudhary resident Harpur Line Bazaar, through his advocate, had filed a complaint against the film's producer Aditya Chopra, director Vijay Krishna, actor Aamir Khan, stating that in the film's trailer, the 'mallah' caste was humiliated by addressing them with the word 'Firangi Mallah'. In addition to the plaintiff, Pradeep Nishad, Brijesh Nishad, Sanjeev Nagar, Manoj Nagar, etc., were seen on social media on 30th October 2018, hurting the sentiments of the plaintiff and the witnesses. The film was named in a malicious manner to increase the TRP of the film. Nishad was termed as a thug and a firangi to the society. Aamir Khan has been addressed as 'Firangi Mallah' in the film. 

Earlier, the Magistrate Court had rejected the complaint stating that the incidents of the film were fictional and its mentioned at the beginning of the movie.

However, the plaintiff's advocate argued on Tuesday post filing a review petition that a story is to entertain and not hurt sentiments. After hearing the arguments, the district judge accepted the review petition and consequently issued a notice in which the state government has also been made a party. 

Directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, Thugs of Hindostan, starring Aamir Khan in the lead role, released in 2018.