Sad news for those of you who were looking forward to Gulab Gang this Friday: the Delhi High Court has ordered a stay on its release after activist Sampat Pal Devi claimed that the film is based on her real-life group, Gulabi Gang. Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva has prohibited the producers from releasing this film in India, at least until the next hearing on May 8th, saying that it would cause irreparable damage to Pal’s reputation if allowed to screen.
On her part, Pal has said that the court’s decision is a victory for her and she is happy with the judgment, as her reputation could have been ruined otherwise. She and her lawyer also don’t seem to be looking for an out of court settlement, saying that one cannot compensate for a loss of reputation. So, it looks like we’ll have to wait until May 8th to know the fate of this film. As it stands, the movie will not be releasing anywhere in India until at least the next hearing.
Sampat Pal Devi is the leader of Gulabi Gang, a group of women activists who fight against issues like domestic abuse, violence against women, child marriages and dowry. Members of the group carry out their protests while dressed in pink saris.
Were you looking forward to seeing Gulaab Gang?