PRAKASH JHA’S movie Aarakshan, which is due to  release today, is still facing bans on some of the states by the Supreme Court. The states, which cannot showcase the movie based on reservation system in India are UP, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh. The veteran film maker has filed a petition appealing the Supreme Court to lift the ban.

In his petition he wrote that the ban imposed on his movie is against the fundamental rights of Indians as this ban clearly defies the right for Freedom of Speech and Expression. Prakash Jha is being reperesented by lawyer Ameet Naik and the matter would be heard by the court today at 2:00 pm. The film maker is willing to compromise, as in a press conference held in Mumbai, on Friday, he has said that he would make the required changes against which some political parties have raised their voice.

Talking in the press conference he was quoted as saying, “We have agreed to make minor changes following objections. There are certain dialogues and scenes that have been edited. Reservation is not a necessity but a Constitutional truth and we have been very careful about depicting it in the film.”
Prakash Jha who is known for his critically acclaimed film Rajneeti, this time has taken up a very serious theme for Aarakshan. Aarakshan not only talks about reservation but also about the growing commercialisation of education in our society. Discussing about the ban, Jha said, “It (the ban) could be because of political reasons. We are discussing the matter with people there. With a sensitive issue like this there is always doubt but we are trying to discuss and resolve it. What else can I do.”