Complaint filed against ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ for allegedly disrespecting Indian Army

Aamir Khan and his recently released film, "Laal Singh Chaddha" are currently in hot waters. The actor, film, and other parties involved have had a complaint filed against them for allegedly 'disrespecting the Indian Army and hurting Hindu sentiments'. This is because Aamir's character Laal, works as an Indian Army personnel in the film. 

The complaint was submitted by a Delhi-based lawyer to Delhi Police commissioner Sanjay Arora on Friday. In the complaint, it is alleged that "Laal Singh Chaddha's" portrayal of the Indian Army has disrespected the armed forces. The complaint was filed against Aamir, Paramount Pictures, and director Advait Chandan.

As per an Asian News International report, advocate Vineet Jindal in his complaint to the Police alleged that the movie contained objectionable content. The advocate sought the registration of an FIR (First Information Report) under sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 298 (wounding the religious feelings of any person), and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the IPC against the "Laal Singh Chaddha" team.

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Caption Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets Khaleda Zia's family members at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban ahead of her janaza. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman were present at the time. Photo: BNP Media Cell

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets Khaleda Zia's family members at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban ahead of her janaza. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman were present at the time. Photo: BNP Media Cell

Vineet Jindal's complaint read: "In the movie, the makers have depicted that a mentally challenged person was allowed to join the Army to fight in the Kargil War. It is a well-known fact that the best army personnel were sent to fight the Kargil war and rigorously trained army personnel fought the war but the movie makers intentionally depicted the said situation to demoralise and defame the Indian army."

The advocate also alleged that the film hurt religious sentiments through a scene where Laal and a Pakistani personnel discuss prayers. The Pakistani personnel asks, "I offer Namaz and prayer, Laal, why don't you do the same?", with Aamir's character responding, "My mother said all this puja paath is malaria. It causes riots." 

Jindal said that the comment is both aggravating and defamatory, and is aimed at the whole Hindu community. The complaint also noted that the statement will not only instigate and provoke religious sentiments, but will also cause 'enraged emotions among Hindu religion followers'.

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Monty Panesar, former England cricketer, also had made similar comments about "Laal Singh Chaddha" on Twitter. Panesar, whose roots are from the Indian state of Punjab, said, "Forrest Gump fits in the US Army because the US was recruiting low IQ men to meet requirements for the Vietnam War. This movie is a total disgrace to India Armed Forces, Indian Army and Sikhs!! Disrespectful. Disgraceful. #BoycottLalSinghChadda."