PIL

Bombay High Court

Alibaug

Pradeep Nandrajog

jokes

Dismissesseeking a ban on the phrase; ‘Have fun, don’t feel humiliated,’ court observes.Thehas dismissed a public interest litigation seeking a ban on the phrase “Alibaug se aaya hai kya?” (Have you come from?), observing that there was nothing derogatory in it, and it should not be taken as humiliation.Adivision bench of Chief Justiceand Justice NM Jamdar dismissed the PIL filed by Rajendra Thakur, a resident of the Alibaug. Thakur’s father, Madhukar, is a former Congress MLA.“Jokes are made on every community. ‘Santa-Banta’ jokes. ‘Madrasi’and jokes on North Indians. Have fun, don’t feel humiliated,” the bench observed, adding, “We do not find anything derogatory in this.”Thakur’s PIL said that the phrase was unfair and humiliating as it projected the people of Alibaug – a famous holiday destination – as illiterates. It also contended that the phrase is commonly used in Maharashtra to address someone who is considered foolish or naive.According to Thakur, Alibaug, a major tourist attraction, is a well-to-do place, has several good schools and a high literacy rate. His PIL also says Alibaug has a rich culture and history.“Alibaug is bestowed by nature with scenic beauty. In spite of having such a rich background filled with history, culture, industry, tourism, medical facilities, nature and education, it is highly objectionable to ridicule the people of Alibaug by projecting them as ‘illiterates’ who do not have common sense,” the petition said.Thakur had urged the court to direct state authorities to get the public to refrain from making such comments. He had also urged the court to ensure that films, documentaries and TV shows, among others, with this phrase as part of their dialogue, are not granted censor certificates.