In a recent decision, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea urging a ban on Pakistani artistes working in India, emphasizing the importance of cultural harmony. The petitioner, film worker Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, had taken the case to the Supreme Court after the Bombay High Court rejected his initial plea.
Qureshi’s petition sought a ban on collaboration between Indian citizens, companies, and associations with Pakistani artistes, encompassing actors, singers, musicians, lyricists, and technicians. He urged the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, the Ministry for External Affairs, and the Ministry for Home Affairs to issue notifications prohibiting such engagements and travel visas for Pakistani artistes.
The Supreme Court, however, found no merit in Qureshi’s petition, labeling it a regressive step against cultural unity and peace. The court emphasized that private association resolutions are not statutory and cannot be enforced through judicial orders. The petitioner’s concerns regarding the Pakistan cricket team’s participation in the ICC Cricket World Cup were also addressed, with the court dismissing any direct correlation between the two.
