While issuing a written verdict upon the second petition submitted against the release of film Joyland in Pakistan, the Sindh High Court (SHC) Friday said that it could not determine whether it was morally good to see the film or not, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The written verdict reads that the court cannot pass a decision on moral grounds to diminish the freedom of expression of the filmmaker which he has under article 19 of the Constitution.

The petitioners contended that the film would negatively impact the people, especially youths, and destroy marriages and family institutions by promoting nudity, vulgarity and homosexuality which, what they said, was fatal for the entire society.

In response, the court said that unnecessary censorship was tantamount to stifling society, creativity and growth.

“The film has been cleared by the censor board and then allowed to be released. If there is any reasonable cause, only the censor board or the provincial competent authority can ban the film,” it added.

“No citizen, in personal capacity, has the right to raise objection to the release of the film,” it ruled.

It merits a mention here that Saim Sadiq’s film Joyland, based on the story of a transgender person, had been banned in Pakistan on the allegations of nudity and homosexuality.

Cases against the release of the film are still pending in the courts.

Reporter: Bilal Ahmed