02-24-2007, 04:23 AM
My note to Indian Express:-
1. Paragraphs 4&5 (Tamas and Ore Oru Gramathile) are irrelevant to the discussion. In these cases the state ordered a ban under threat. Gujarat Administration has not buckled under any threat and *not* banned the film.
2. No the state has no obligation to burn its coffers on promoting one individual's freedom of expression. People vs Larry Flynt comes to mind easily. While Larry Flynt had the right to publish naked pictures of women, people/newstands still had the right not purchase/distribute his publication. State was in no way obligated to ensure that newstands carried the publication. Would Mr Sorabjee also advocate the state go the extra step to ensure newstands carry pornographic magazines? If not how would the state draw the distinction?
3. Commercial boycott is rooted in the Indian Freedom struggle. Artistic or not, Parzania is a commercial product. If British merchandise was detrimental for Indian economic health and Mahatma Gandhi exhorted masses, why should a lopsided pseudo-secular consignment not be subjected to the same treatment?
1. Paragraphs 4&5 (Tamas and Ore Oru Gramathile) are irrelevant to the discussion. In these cases the state ordered a ban under threat. Gujarat Administration has not buckled under any threat and *not* banned the film.
2. No the state has no obligation to burn its coffers on promoting one individual's freedom of expression. People vs Larry Flynt comes to mind easily. While Larry Flynt had the right to publish naked pictures of women, people/newstands still had the right not purchase/distribute his publication. State was in no way obligated to ensure that newstands carried the publication. Would Mr Sorabjee also advocate the state go the extra step to ensure newstands carry pornographic magazines? If not how would the state draw the distinction?
3. Commercial boycott is rooted in the Indian Freedom struggle. Artistic or not, Parzania is a commercial product. If British merchandise was detrimental for Indian economic health and Mahatma Gandhi exhorted masses, why should a lopsided pseudo-secular consignment not be subjected to the same treatment?