Junaid Khan’s much-anticipated debut film ‘Maharaj,’ slated for release on June 14, has found itself embroiled in controversy. Allegations of religious insensitivity have surfaced, prompting the Gujarat High Court to halt its release and instructing Netflix, the OTT platform set to stream it, to refrain from doing so. At the heart of this cinematic storm lies the historical backdrop of the Maharaj Libel Case of 1861, upon which the movie is based.
Maharaj plot
‘Maharaj’ chronicles the life of Karsandas Mulji, a significant figure in pre-independent India renowned for his journalistic prowess and advocacy for social reform, particularly in the realm of women’s rights. Mulji, a product of Mumbai’s Elphinstone College and a protege of the esteemed Dadabhai Naoroji, utilized his platform to challenge societal norms and shed light on injustices.
What is Maharaj Libel Case of 1861?
Central to the narrative of ‘Maharaj’ is the Maharaj Libel Case of 1861. In a series of articles published that year, Mulji exposed alleged misconduct within the Pushtimarg Vaishnava sect, specifically targeting its religious leaders, referred to as the Maharajs. The articles accused these figures of engaging in illicit activities under the guise of religious rituals, including sexual misconduct with female devotees and the purported expectation for devotees to offer their wives for sexual encounters with the Maharajs.
The ensuing legal battle, filed by one of the accused religious leaders, Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj, gripped the Bombay Court under British rule. Represented by the formidable Thomas Chisholm Anstey, Mulji faced off against the plaintiff, with Sir Lyttleton Holyoake Bayley representing the Maharaj.
The trial, likened to the “greatest trial of modern times since the trial of Warren Hastings,” captivated the public imagination. Over the course of proceedings, numerous witnesses testified, including the plaintiff himself. Ultimately, the defamation charges against Mulji were dismissed.
Judgment
In a landmark judgment delivered on April 22, 1862, Chief Justice Sir Matthew Richard Sausse vindicated Mulji, affirming his journalistic duty to expose the alleged misdeeds of the religious leader. Jadunathji Maharaj was ordered to compensate Mulji with Rs. 11,500, albeit bearing a substantial cost himself for the litigation.
Despite the legal victory, the repercussions of the Maharaj Libel Case reverberated beyond the courtroom. Mulji’s legacy endured, as did his commitment to journalistic integrity and social reform, exemplifying the enduring impact of courageous advocacy.