In a recent incident at Pune University, a student play titled Jab We Met has stirred controversy, leading to arrests and allegations of insulting religious beliefs. The head of the Lalit Kala Kendra, Dr Pravin Dattatraya Bhole, writer Bhavesh Patil, director Jay Pedhnekar, and actors Prathamesh Savant, Hrushikesh Dalvi, and Yash Chikhale are among the six individuals booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.Background of the IncidentThe play, staged at the SPPUs Lalit Kala Kendra, faced backlash after an FIR was filed by Harshwardhan Harpude, chief of the Pune unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The allegations include insulting religious beliefs, obscene acts and songs, unlawful assembly, rioting, and voluntarily causing hurt.In a shocking video surfaced on social media, in play staged at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Mata Sita is being shown smoking a cigarette and Prabhu Shri Ram is assisting her in lighting it. Meanwhile audience laughing and enjoying pic.twitter.com/KWQ5qsvGjW— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) February 3, 2024The Characters and the AllegationsThe characters of Lord Ram, Sita, and Ravan in the play have become the center of controversy. The FIR claims that the portrayal of these characters was objectionable and offensive, leading to the registration of the complaint.The FIR and Its ClaimsHarpudes complaint mentions that during the play, objectionable and abusive words were used by the actors. It further alleges that an actor playing the role of Sita was smoking on stage, which added fuel to the fire. The complainant and his friends, upon raising objections, were reportedly manhandled and thrashed by the actors and students.Social Media ImpactThe incident has taken a viral turn on social media, with purported videos of the play circulating widely. Public reactions are varied, with discussions on the boundaries of artistic expression and the responsibility of artists in a diverse society.Freedom of Expression vs. Religious SentimentsThe incident raises questions about the delicate balance between freedom of expression and respecting religious sentiments. In a country with diverse cultural and religious beliefs, controversies surrounding artistic freedom often lead to heated debates.Legal Implications and COTPA SectionsThe accused face legal consequences under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the COTPA. Understanding the legal framework surrounding artistic expression becomes crucial in evaluating the charges brought against the individuals involved.Statements from the AccusedThe head of Lalit Kala Kendra, the writer, director, and actors have responded to the accusations, providing insights into the artistic intentions behind the play. Clarifications on the use of certain elements in the performance shed light on the creative process.Impact on Campus AtmosphereThe incident has triggered reactions within the academic community, sparking a dialogue about the boundaries of creative expression within educational institutions. Balancing artistic freedom with the need for a respectful and inclusive campus atmosphere is now a topic of discussion.Role of Performing Arts in SocietyThe controversy highlights the significant role of performing arts in challenging societal norms and sparking discussions. Artists often find themselves at the forefront of debates, pushing boundaries and encouraging critical thinking.
