A Delhi Court has recently summoned Director Leena Manimekalai in a suit seeking injunction to restrain her from depicting Hindu goddess Kali smoking cigarette in her new documentary.

Judge Abhishek Kumar of Tis Hazari Courts issued summons to the filmmaker and her company namely Touring Talkies Media Private Limited and notice of injunction in an application under Order 39 Rule 1 and 2 of Code of Civil Procedure.

The matter has been kept for hearing on August 6.

The suit has been filed by Advocate Raj Gaurav alleging that the filmmaker has depicted the Hindu goddess Kali in a very uncalled way in the poster and promo video of the upcoming Movie "Kaali".

Further, it has been alleged that the poster of the film depicts Hindu goddess Kali smoking cigarette which not only hurts the religious sentiments of common Hindu but is also against basics of morality and decency.

Furthermore, the suit also claims that the poster was tweeted by the the filmmaker from her twitter handle.

Accordingly, an interim injunction was sought to restrain the defendants temporarily from depicting goddess Kaali in the manner as shown in the poster and video and the tweet.

While issuing summons in the suit, the Court ordered thus:

"The relief of interim injunction is discretionary relief. Further, as held by Hon'ble Supreme Court in number of cases the ex-parte ad-interim injunction has to be granted in exceptional circumstances and undersigned is of the opinion that the defendant needs to be heard before passing any order against them. Therefore, issue summons of the suit and notice of the injunction application under Order 39 Rule 1 & 2 CPC to the defendants on filing of PF/RC for 06.08.2022."

Case Title: Raj Gaurav Vs. Leena Manimekalai & Anr.