Bombay High Court Rejects Plea to Ban Pakistani Artists

The Bombay High Court recently rejected a petition to ban Pakistani artists in India. The petition had been filed by a group of Indian citizens who argued that Pakistani artists should not be allowed to perform in India because of the ongoing conflict between the two countries.

In a recent decision, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition to ban Pakistani artists from working or performing in India. The petitioner, Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, had urged the Indian government to cease professional associations with artists from Pakistan, including employment, collaboration, and solicitation of work.

The division bench, consisting of Justices Sunil Shukre and Firdosh Pooniwalla, firmly rejected the plea. The court emphasized that true patriotism doesn’t necessitate hostility towards foreign nationals, particularly those from neighboring countries. They underscored that a patriot is someone who is selfless, devoted to their country, and embraces activities that promote peace and harmony, regardless of origin.

The bench also highlighted the unifying influence of the arts, noting that activities like music, sports, culture, and dance transcend national and cultural boundaries, fostering a sense of unity and peace between nations.

Regarding the Pakistani cricket team’s participation in the World Cup in India, the court commended the Indian government’s measures, aligning with Article 51 of the Indian Constitution, which supports global peace and security.

The court did not endorse the petitioner’s request to cease issuing visas to Pakistani artists and penalize those defying the ban. They found no basis to support the argument that the presence of Pakistani artists during the World Cup would diminish job opportunities for Indian artists, asserting that it is not within the judiciary’s purview to dictate specific laws or policies to the government.

The call for a ban on Pakistani artists harks back to 2019 when various sections of the country demanded restrictions on cultural and artistic exchanges with Pakistan. Consequently, artists like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Atif Aslam, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, among others, have refrained from working in India.