Bombay, The Bombay High Court, in a noteworthy verdict, dismissed a petition calling for a blanket ban on Pakistani artists working within India, underscoring the significance of maintaining artistic and cultural bridges between nations.

According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, the petition, initiated by cine worker Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, had requested the Indian government to exclude artists from Pakistan, spanning various professions such as actors, musicians, lyricists, and technicians, from participating or working in the Indian entertainment sector. However, news sources, Bollywood Hungama and Live Law India, reported that the division bench consisting of Justice Sunil B Shukre and Justice Firdosh P Pooniwalla, refuted the proposal. Their judgment was steeped in the belief that avenues such as art, music, sports, and culture play a pivotal role in fostering unity, harmony, and peace.

In the delivered judgment, the bench stated, “A person who is good at heart would welcome in his country any activity which promotes peace, harmony, and tranquillity within the country and across the border. Arts, music, sports, culture, dance and so on are the activities which rise above nationalities, cultures, and nations and truly bring about peace, tranquillity, unity, and harmony in the nation and between nations.”

The court further emphasized that the essence of art is its capacity to surpass geopolitical boundaries and unite individuals. The judgment also articulated that patriotism is not exemplified by hostility towards foreign nationals but is a reflection of one’s unwavering dedication to their homeland.