Asia Press Agency

Tag: Documentary

  • CBI Seeks Injunction Against Documentary on Sheena Bora Case

    CBI Seeks Injunction Against Documentary on Sheena Bora Case

    The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken legal action against the upcoming airing of a documentary series centered around Indrani Mukerjea, the primary accused in the notorious Sheena Bora murder case. Titled ‘The Indrani Mukerjea Story: The Buried Truth,’ the series delves into the events surrounding the disappearance and subsequent murder of 25-year-old Sheena Bora.

     

    Set to premiere on Netflix on February 23, the series has sparked concerns regarding its potential impact on the ongoing trial. In response, the CBI has filed a plea with a special court in Mumbai, represented by public prosecutor CJ Nandode, seeking an injunction to halt the airing of the documentary until the trial concludes.

     

    The plea requests the court to issue directions to the accused and other relevant parties to refrain from featuring in the documentary or its broadcast on any platform until the trial reaches its conclusion. The CBI aims to prevent any potential interference with the legal proceedings by ensuring that the accused and related individuals do not participate in the documentary’s production or distribution.

     

    The court, presided over by CBI Special Judge SP Naik-Nimbalkar, has summoned Netflix Entertainment Services India and other involved parties to respond to the application on February 20. This legal action underscores the sensitivity and complexity of the Sheena Bora murder case, which has captivated the nation since its inception.

     

    The case dates back to April 2012 when Sheena Bora, the daughter of Indrani Mukerjea from a previous relationship, was allegedly murdered by Mukerjea, her former driver Shyamvar Rai, and ex-husband Sanjeev Khanna. Bora’s burnt remains were discovered in a forest in the Raigad district, leading to a widespread investigation into her disappearance.

     

    The case gained significant attention in 2015 when Rai confessed to the crime following his arrest in an unrelated case. Subsequently, Indrani Mukerjea was apprehended and granted bail in May 2022. Meanwhile, Rai, Khanna, and Peter Mukerjea, Indrani’s former husband, are also out on bail as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.

     

    The airing of a documentary series focusing on such a high-profile and sensitive case raises ethical and legal questions regarding its potential impact on the trial. The CBI’s intervention underscores the need to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judicial process, ensuring that the accused receive a fair trial without any external influences.

     

    As the legal battle continues, the nation awaits the outcome of the court’s decision regarding the airing of the documentary. The case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding criminal investigations and the quest for justice in high-profile cases that capture public attention.

  • Delhi High Court Issues Fresh Notice to BBC

    Delhi High Court Issues Fresh Notice to BBC

    The Delhi High Court has issued a fresh notice to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on a plea seeking damages over the documentary titled “India: The Modi Question.” The plea, filed by Gujarat-based NGO Justice On Trial, claims that the documentary casts a slur on India’s reputation. The high court had previously issued notices to both BBC (UK) and BBC (India), but they could not be served.

     

    Advocate Siddharth Sharma, representing the NGO, requested more time to serve the notices to the defendants, and the high court granted the request, ordering the issuance of fresh notices through all permissible modes. The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on December 15.

     

    The plea, filed in May, highlighted that BBC (UK) is the national broadcaster of the United Kingdom and had released the news documentary, “India: The Modi Question,” consisting of two episodes, with BBC (India) serving as its local operations office. These episodes were published in January 2023.

     

    According to the plea, the documentary contains “disparaging and defamatory” statements that have caused significant harm to the reputation and goodwill of the Prime Minister of India, the Government of India, the Government of the State of Gujarat, and the people of India.

     

    The BBC documentary focuses on the 2002 Gujarat riots, a period when Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of the state. Following its release, the documentary was banned by the Modi government. The petitioner is seeking damages of ₹10,000 crore (approximately $1.35 billion) in favor of the NGO and against the defendants. These damages are sought due to the alleged “loss of reputation and goodwill” incurred by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, the Government of India, the Government of the State of Gujarat during the Gujarat Riots, and the people of India as a result of the documentary’s content.

     

    The case underscores the complex issues surrounding freedom of the press, the right to criticize public figures, and the legal boundaries of defamation in a digital age where media reaches a global audience. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome of this case will be closely watched not only in India but also in the broader context of media freedom and accountability.

  • Renowned Writer-Filmmaker Gita Mehta Passes Away at 80

    Renowned Writer-Filmmaker Gita Mehta Passes Away at 80

    Gita Mehta, a highly regarded writer and filmmaker, has sadly passed away at the age of 80 in New Delhi. She was known for her exceptional literary works and contributions to documentary filmmaking. Gita Mehta was the sister of Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the daughter of the esteemed Biju Patnaik. She leaves behind a son.

     

    Born in 1943 to Biju Patnaik and Gyan Patnaik in Delhi, Gita Mehta pursued her higher studies both in India and at the prestigious Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. She made significant contributions as an author, documentary filmmaker, and journalist. Her husband, publisher Sonny Mehta, had predeceased her.

     

    Gita Mehta was recognized for her outstanding work, which included coverage of Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation war for NBC and her acclaimed documentary titled “Dateline Bangladesh.”

     

    Among her notable literary works were books such as ‘Karma Cola,’ ‘Snake and Ladders,’ ‘A River Sutra,’ ‘Raj,’ and ‘The Eternal Ganesha.’ Her contributions to literature were widely appreciated, and her writing showcased her intellect and passion for storytelling.

     

    She had a close and affectionate bond with her younger brother, Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha. During one of her earlier visits to Bhubaneswar, she had spoken highly of her brother, mentioning that the people of Odisha were fortunate to have a leader like Naveen Patnaik.

     

    Condolences poured in from across the nation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his sorrow on Twitter. He described Gita Mehta as a multifaceted personality known for her intellect, writing, filmmaking, and passion for nature and water conservation. The Prime Minister offered his thoughts and prayers to Naveen Patnaik and the entire family during this difficult time.

     

    Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal also offered his condolences, acknowledging Gita Mehta’s accomplishments and conveying his heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends.

     

    Numerous ministers and prominent individuals from various fields expressed their sadness over the passing of Gita Mehta. Her legacy as a writer and filmmaker will continue to be celebrated, and her contributions to the world of literature and documentary filmmaking will be remembered fondly.