Om Katare's Theatre Group Yatri, which is considered to be amongst the veteran and best known Hindi theatre groups in the city has been made a target by a Hindutva group. The Hindu Janajagriti Samiti has threatened Katare's latest production RAAVANLEELA on the pretext once again that the play offends Hindu sentiments.

Nothing could be more untrue as the play is a light hearted comedy based on the tradition of ramleelas that take place in small towns and villages. Since the play has got a clear certificate from the censors, the Hindu Janajagriti Samiti was unsuccessful in its police complaint. However auditorium managers feel threatned and they would rather cancel shows than endanger their property and the safety of their audiences.

RAAVANLEELA'S censorship is not a new thing. Just a few months back Mahesh Dattani's SARA had to face a similar fate, as have some other significant plays of the past. And it is not just plays. Other art forms too have been subject to these forms of unconstitutional censorship. While the larger question of censorship remains a tricky one, the allegations made by self-interest groups such as the Hindu Janajagriti Samiti, and its more powerful counterparts are simply unlawful, and must be punished accordingly.

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