BJP Leader Seeks Ban on The Taj Story Over Petition Dispute

Post by : Mina Rahman

A BJP leader from Ayodhya has filed a complaint with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), demanding a ban on the upcoming film The Taj Story, starring Paresh Rawal.

Rajneesh Singh, a BJP spokesperson, claimed that the film’s story is based on a petition he filed in the Allahabad High Court in May 2022. In that petition, he had sought the opening of 22 locked rooms inside the Taj Mahal, alleging that the monument was originally a temple. The High Court later dismissed his plea.

In his complaint, Singh stated that the film’s posters, promotional material, and storyline appear to reference his petition in a “misleading” manner without his consent. “I filed a PIL to ensure transparency regarding the Taj Mahal’s history. The movie seems to be using the subject of my petition without permission, which violates my intellectual and legal rights,” he said.

He also warned that the film’s release could “affect the judicial process” and “create unnecessary tension among social and religious groups.” Singh requested that the censor process and public screening of The Taj Story be put on hold until an investigation is completed.

He urged authorities to examine the film’s script and storyline to determine whether it includes any material derived from his petition.

The Taj Story is a Hindi courtroom drama written and directed by Tushar Amrish Goel and produced by Suresh Jha. The film stars Paresh Rawal, Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Namit Das, and Sneha Wagh in key roles.