The Gujarat High Court is currently deliberating on whether to watch 'Maharaj,' the debut film of Junaid Khan, son of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, to decide its release on Netflix. The film’s release has faced objections from the Pushtimarg sect, which claims the movie offends their religious sentiments.

Justice Sangeeta Vishen's court extended the interim stay on the film's release for another day, scheduling further hearings for Thursday. This decision follows Yash Raj Films' (YRF) proposal to provide the court with a secure link to view the movie, allowing the judges to assess the petitioners' claims.

'Maharaj' revolves around a controversial 1862 libel case involving Vaishnavite religious leader Karsandas Mulji. Mulji, a social reformer, accused a religious figure of misconduct in a Gujarati weekly article. The petitioners argue that the British judges' remarks during the case were "blasphemous" against Lord Krishna and could impact their religious sentiments.

The court's decision to watch the film remains pending, with both parties – the petitioners and YRF – agreeing that viewing the movie will not prevent further legal arguments regarding the petition's validity. “We will provide the link if the court deems it necessary after hearing arguments from both sides,” stated Shalin Mehta, a lawyer for YRF. Advocate Mihir Joshi, representing the petitioners, expressed no objection to the court watching the film, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution. “If the movie doesn't disrespect our religion, they should allow its release. We don't want to delay this any further,” he said.

The petitioners claim that releasing the film could seriously harm their religious beliefs, potentially disrupting public order and inciting violence against their community. They argue the movie may violate the Information Technology Rules' code of ethics and the OTT platform's self-regulation code by promoting hatred and violence against the Pushtimarg sect.

Previously, the petitioners approached the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to block the film's release but received no response.

Set in pre-independence India, 'Maharaj' tells the story of Karsandas Mulji, portrayed by Junaid Khan, marking his debut. The film highlights Mulji's fight for justice amidst India's social and political upheaval post-Sepoy Mutiny. Inspired by his mentor, Dadabhai Naoroji, Mulji takes on a powerful figure in the infamous Maharaj Libel Case.

'Maharaj' aims to bring Mulji's courageous stand to a modern audience, but its portrayal of a Hindu religious leader has ignited controversy, drawing intense scrutiny and legal challenges.