Justice Sunil B Shukre and Justice Firdosh P Pooniwalla, who presided over the case observed that it was a backward step in promoting cultural harmony, unity and peace. They also said that the petition lacked merit.
There has been a ban on Pakistani artists in India since seven years now. Several Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan who had earlier worked in the Hindi film and music industries have been banned from working in India. But as per the latest reports, the Bombay High Court has recently rejected a petition that sought to ban them from working in the country.
A petition filed by a cine worker to ban the Pakistani artists was heard by the court. A Livemint report stated that Justice Sunil B Shukre and Justice Firdosh P Pooniwalla, who presided over the case observed that it was a backward step in promoting cultural harmony, unity and peace. They also said that the petition lacked merit.
The court further observed that patriotism isn't demonstrated by hostility towards foreign nationals, particularly those from neighbouring countries.
PTI quoted the court saying, "A true patriot is a person who is selfless, who is devoted to the cause of his country, which he cannot be unless he is a person who is good at heart. A person who is good at heart would welcome in his country any activity which promotes peace, harmony, and tranquillity within the country and across the border''.
It further said, ''One must understand that in order to be a patriot, one need not be inimical to those from abroad especially, from the neighbouring country.''
For the unversed, it was after the Uri attack in 2016, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) made the resolution that tey won't work with Pakistani artists.