Allahabad HC denies anticipatory bail to Amazon Prime India head over 'Tandav' row

People protest against web series `Tandav in Mumbai. Pic/AFP

The Allahabad High Court on Thursday refused to grant anticipatory bail to Aparna Purohit, the head of India Originals, Amazon Prime Video, in a case filed in Noida against makers of the web series 'Tandav' over the depiction of police, the Prime Minister and Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

A single-judge bench of Justice Siddharth passed this order yesterday while hearing an anticipatory bail application.

According to the order, the anticipatory bail application had been filed by Purohit in the case under Sections- 153 (A) (1) (b), 295-A, 505 (1) (b),505 (2) IPC, Section 66 and 67 of the Information Technology Act and Section 3 (1) (r) of SC/ST Act.

It said that the allegation in the FIR lodged against the applicant and six other coaccused persons is that a web series is being shown on Amazon Prime Video, which is an online movie OTT (over-the-top) platform, has objectionable content.

The web series is being shown through Amazon Prime Video through Head of India Originals, as a paid movie.

The order further said that the movie has been directed by co-accused, Ali Abbas Zafar.

The content of this movie is affecting the image of the Uttar Pradesh police adversely. In a Dial 100 police vehicle, two actors are shown travelling with open doors in a police uniform, consuming liquor and hurling abuses, it added.

It is also seen that Hindu gods and goddesses have been depicted in a bad light with the intention of inciting communal sentiments.

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