The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a plea advocating for a complete prohibition on Pakistani artists from performing or working in India. The bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti, declined to interfere with the Bombay High Court's decision to dismiss the plea filed by Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, who identifies as a cine worker and artist, news agency PTI reported.
The justices advised the petitioner against adopting a "narrow-minded" perspective, stating, "You should not press this appeal. Do not be so narrow-minded."
Additionally, the Supreme Court rejected the request to expunge certain comments made by the high court against Qureshi.
According to PTI, Qureshi's petition urged the court to direct the central government to impose a complete ban on Indian entities from engaging with Pakistani artists, including cine workers, singers, musicians, lyricists, and technicians. The Bombay High Court had previously dismissed the petition, asserting that the relief sought was counterproductive to fostering cultural harmony, unity, and peace.
The high court emphasized that patriotism does not necessitate animosity towards individuals from foreign countries, particularly neighbouring ones. It defined a true patriot as someone selfless and dedicated to their country, welcoming activities that promote peace, harmony, and tranquillity.
The court highlighted that arts, music, sports, culture, and dance transcend national boundaries, fostering peace, unity, and harmony within and between nations. It cited the example of Pakistan's participation in the Cricket World Cup, attributing it to positive measures taken by the Indian government in alignment with Article 51 of the Constitution, which emphasizes promoting international peace and security.
The Bombay High Court had earlier dismissed the petition. It said that the steps the petition sought were retrograde in promoting cultural harmony, unity and peace, and was without any merit. "One must understand that in order to be a patriot, one need not be inimical to those from abroad especially, from the neighbouring country... 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," the HC was quoted as saying by PTI.