AIB controversy: Bombay High Court asks state to file reply to PIL

The AIB controversy just refuses to die down. The Bombay High Court has now asked the Centre, Maharashtra government and I&B Ministry to respond to a PIL filed seeking action against organisers of All India Bakchod (AIB), for the usage of obscene and vulgar words and tarnishing women's dignity. The PIL was heard by a bench headed by Justice VM Kanade who directed the authorities to file their reply before 3rd March post which the matter would be heard again. The court also allowed AIB to intervene and reply to the allegations made in the PIL. The PIL has been filed by Dr Sharmila Ghuge, social activist and a law college faculty member. She has said that the show featured a galaxy of film stars and participants allegedly used obscene words and shared indecent jokes, "which was extremely offensive not only to the dignity of women but also to the basic values cherished in our country." It was further stated that the content, repeated several times during the show, violates the provisions of section 292 and 294 of the Indian Penal Code as well as other provisions of law. Moreover, adverse comments passed on various communities not only violate section 295-A of IPC but also deeply hurt the sentiments of public at large, the petition alleged. Also, the use of "smutty and vulgar gestures during the show and indecorous and undignified remarks" on women with reference to rape violates section 23 of Indecent Representation of Women's Act, the PIL alleged. Dr. Ghuge has sought action against organizers and participants of the show and also made clear the need to issue guidelines to monitor such video programmes on the YouTube. Senior counsel Mahesh Jethmalani appeared for AIB and argued that the programme was full of humour and entertained the audience and a few words alleged to have been obscene should not deter authorities from banning the show.