Bombay HC grants relief from coercive action to Mahesh Manjrekar, producers in POCSO case

Social activist Seema Deshpande of NGO Bharatiya Stree Shakti, through advocate Prakash Salsingikar, had filed a complaint before the court seeking action against Manjrekar and others claiming that the trailer of the movie, which was later released in theatres and on OTT platforms, contained “obscene material”.

The movie featured two teenage boys who grow up facing deprivation and brutality by society and become hardcore criminals.

The special court had allowed the plea and had directed appropriate action to be taken as per law, after which Mahim police station registered an FIR, prompting Manjrekar to approach the High Court.

Apprehending coercive action by police, the petitioners sought interim relief from the High Court and submitted that they were ready to extend all cooperation to probing authorities.

The bench led by Justice Prasanna B Varale said, “We are of the opinion that the petitioners made out a case for interim relief.” It also issued notices to the respondents — state government and Mumbai Police — seeking its response during the hearing after three weeks.

“Respondent is directed not to take coercive steps or action against the petitioners till the next date of hearing,” the court noted.