Srinagar: A court in the city has issued a pre-cognizance notice to designer duo Shivan & Narresh, Editor-in-Chief ELLE India and unknown models for alleged obscenity and hurting religious sentiments of Muslims besides publicly consuming alcohol in their recently held fashion show at Gulmarg, Kashmir’s famed ski resort.
The Delhi-based designers showcased their skiwear collection on March 7 in the snow-covered meadows of Gulmarg to mark the 15th anniversary of their label.
The complainant sought actions under Section of 296, 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and 50 A of the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act, 1958, for obscenity, hurting religious sentiments during the month of Ramzan and publicly consuming alcohol.
“Perusal of the complaint reveals that the complainant seeks an action against three proposed accused for offences under Sections 296 and 299 of BNS and Section 50-A of the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act, 1958 for organising fashion show in which obscene and inappropriate contents was displayed,” noted, Faizan-I-Nazar, Special Mobile Magistrate, Srinagar; Railway Magistrate, Kashmir.
“Now before this court applies its mind for taking cognizance, it is mandatory upon this court to hear the accused in terms of proviso to Sub Section (1) of Section 223 BNSS, 2023,” said the magistrate.
Accordingly, he put the proposed accused on notice for appearance through a registered post. The court further said that the matter will be considered for taking cognizance on April 8 and they will be heard before such consideration.
“Accused be informed that if they failed to appear matter will be considered in their absence,” said the court.
The fashion show, participated by male and scantily clothed female models, with ski wear collection was put on display almost a week in the ski resort.
Many Kashmiris including Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq termed the fashion show during Ramzan as “outrageous”.
“In the holy month of Ramzan an obscene fashion show is organised in Gulmarg, pictures and videos from which have gone viral sparking shock and anger among people. How could it be tolerated in the valley known for its Sufi culture of saints, and the deeply religious outlook of its people? Those involved should be immediately held accountable. Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in Kashmir,” Mirwaiz had said.
The event had also led to disruptions in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Budget session.
Following this outrage, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had clarified that the government had no involvement in the event, describing it as a “private affair”. He even ordered a probe into it.
