A court in Jalandhar held a hearing today concerning Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao in connection with a dispute over a promotional poster from the 2017 film Behen Hogi Teri.
Rajkummar Rao did not appear in court, his counsel Darshan Singh Dayal informed.
Case Origins & Charges
The controversy started when a poster featuring Shivaji Maharaj linked to the film’s marketing sparked backlash among certain groups. Following complaints, an FIR was registered against Rajkummar Rao, co-star Shruti Haasan, the film’s producer, director Ajay K Pannalal, and the deputy director.
The charges pressed include hurting religious sentiments (Section 295A), criminal conspiracy (Section 120B), and violation of the IT Act (Section 67). Non-bailable warrants were issued against Rao during the investigation.
Recent Court Proceedings
On July 28, Rajkummar Rao voluntarily appeared before the Jalandhar court and was granted bail under specific conditions. Advocate Dayal explained that the summons had been sent to Rao’s Delhi address, while he currently resides in Mumbai, which caused the actor’s absence during the hearing.
Meanwhile, co-actor Shruti Haasan has been cleared of all charges after the court found no grounds to prosecute her.
Director Ajay K Pannalal attended court today responding to a petition related to the case. The petition stresses that Rao’s role—portraying a character dressed as Lord Shiva during a religious Jagran—was purely an artistic expression without any intention to offend religious beliefs.
Legal Defense & Rights Invoked
The defense also highlighted that the film had obtained a certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), indicating it was legally vetted. Rao’s lawyer emphasized the actor’s fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution as a shield against the allegations.
Behen Hogi Teri is directed by Ajay K Pannalal and stars Rajkummar Rao alongside Shruti Haasan. Rajkummar Rao’s most recent film appearance was in Maalik.
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