PIL Filed In Madras High Court Against Movie "Yaanai" Over Alleged Depiction Of Fishermen In 'Bad Light'

When the matter came up for consideration, the bench of Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari and Justice N Mala adjourned the matter as the counsel for the petitioner was absent.

The litigant, Mr. Joebhoy Gomez, who is from a traditional fishing family and an executive member of the Tamil Fishermen Federation contended that the movie "Yaanai" depicted fishermen as gangsters and smugglers who indulge in hooliganism and to be involved in crimes relating to child abuse. He claimed that this was done with an ulterior motive to defame the fishing community.

He pointed out certain instances in the movie where certain scenes were deliberately included to hurt the religious sentiments of the Christian fisherfolk. In another instance, the movie shows the fisherfolk sexually abusing a woman who performs Karagattam and force her to dance naked. He submitted that the movie showed the fisherfolk as hardcore criminals.

Gomez further submitted that these fishermen folk were risking their lives by venturing into the sea and were adding crores of rupees to the government exchequer. Yet the movie was showing them as anti-social elements not only in certain parts but frame to frame.

He added that the director of the movie belonged to a community which was in conflict with the fishing community and therefore a deliberate attempt was being made to offend the human dignity of the fisherfolk which was arbitrary and unconstitutional.

He also stated that he had sent representation to the respondents but no action was taken on the same. At the same time, if the movie was continued to be screened, it would cause imminent danger to the public morality and would promote vulgarity, indecency and would be a cultural set back to the fisherfolk and would also pose a threat to their fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. Thus, he was left with no other alternative than to approach this court.

The matter was been posted to 01.08.2022 for hearing.

Case Title: N. Joebhoy Gomez v. Government of India and others

Case No: W.P No. 19140 of 2022