Allahabad HC dismisses Karan Johar's petition on the use of the national anthem in his film

The Allahabad High Court today dismissed a petition filed by filmmaker Karan Johar seeking the quashing of a complaint against him which objected to the national anthem being played in his film.

Dismissing the petition, the Lucknow bench of the court directed Johar to appear before the chief judicial magistrate, Lucknow, in person on September 14.

On July 16, justice DV Sharma directed the Bollywood director to appear before the High Court on July 20 along with the original of the film Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham, in connection with the complaint.

The complaint was filed under various provisions of the Prevention of Insult to the National Honour Act, 1971.

Johar's counsel informed the court that the filmmaker could not appear before it due to health reasons. The lawyer also cited security reasons for Johar's absence, saying that as a celebrity, Johar needed proper security.

The high court later reserved its judgment.

In 2002, Pratap Chandra had filed a complaint against the director, alleging that the scene involving the playing of the national anthem had violated provisions of the Act. The then judicial magistrate, in his order issued on April 17, 2002, had summoned the director on May 17 that year.

Johar challenged the CJM's order in the high court.