Did the Calcutta HC Dismiss the Petition Against ‘The Bengal Files’?
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Synopsis
A recent ruling by the Calcutta High Court has sparked interest as it dismisses a petition against 'The Bengal Files.' The case highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and historical representation, raising questions about how stories are told in cinema.
Key Takeaways
- The Calcutta High Court dismissed the petition due to lack of evidence.
- The film 'The Bengal Files' is part of a trilogy.
- Concerns regarding historical portrayals in cinema are highlighted.
- The petitioner is the grandson of a depicted freedom fighter.
- Judicial jurisdiction was a key aspect of the ruling.
Kolkata, Sep 8 (NationPress) A single-judge Bench of the Calcutta High Court on Monday rejected a petition aimed at the Vivek Agnihotri directed film 'The Bengal Files' because the petitioner failed to provide adequate evidence and supporting documents for his claims.
The petition was lodged by Santanu Mukherjee, the grandson of freedom fighter Gopal Mukherjee, also known as Gopal Patha, who is depicted in the film.
Santanu Mukherjee argued on two fronts: firstly, that his grandfather was inaccurately portrayed in the movie.
The second argument was regarding the ambiguity of the sources of information related to his grandfather's portrayal in the film. He also submitted a Right To Information (RTI) request on these issues but did not receive any feedback.
The third contention questioned how Agnihotri could serve as a member of the CBFC.
The case was heard by Justice Amrita Sinha on Monday. During the hearing, Justice Sinha stated that such petitions did not fall within her court's jurisdiction and advised the petitioner to seek the appropriate legal forum.
She further noted that since the petitioner failed to provide the information requested in his RTI application, his petition was consequently dismissed.
Last month, Santanu Mukherjee also filed an FIR against the film at a police station in Kolkata for allegedly misrepresenting his grandfather as a butcher.
“Although my grandfather was a member of the freedom-fighters' group Anushilon Samity and owned two goat-meat shops, that does not make him a butcher. He was a wrestler who took up arms to defend people from the communal violence incited by the Muslim League in Kolkata in 1946,” Santanu Mukherjee stated at the time.
'The Bengal Files' is seen as the third installment of the 'Files' trilogy, with the first being 'The Tashkent Files' in 2019 and the second being the widely debated 'The Kashmir Files' in 2022.
Previously, the Mamata Banerjee-led government of West Bengal faced criticism for imposing gag orders on other feature films based on alleged “flimsy” justifications.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the ongoing dialogue between artistic freedom and historical accuracy. While the court's decision underscores judicial authority, it also raises essential questions about accountability in filmmaking, especially when real-life figures are depicted.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main reason for the petition dismissal?
The petition was dismissed because the petitioner could not provide sufficient evidence or documentation to support his claims.
Who filed the petition against 'The Bengal Files'?
The petition was filed by Santanu Mukherjee, the grandson of freedom fighter Gopal Mukherjee.
What was the portrayal issue raised in the petition?
The petitioner claimed that his grandfather was inaccurately portrayed as a butcher in the film.
What did the court say about its jurisdiction?
Justice Amrita Sinha stated that the matter did not fall under her court's jurisdiction and advised the petitioner to seek a proper legal forum.
What is the significance of 'The Bengal Files'?
The film is considered the third part of a trilogy that includes 'The Tashkent Files' and 'The Kashmir Files,' both of which have sparked significant public interest.
