Srinagar Court Summons Designers, ELLE Magazine In Complaint Over Gulmarg Fashion Show

A Srinagar court issued a notice to the organizers of the Gulmarg fashion show, which was perceived by many as offensive and obscene and had sparked a major controversy, even causing disruptions in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly's Budget session.

The Special Mobile Magistrate, Srinagar Faizan Nazar has given an opportunity of hearing in a pre-cognizance notice to the accused on the 8th of April, before deciding whether cognizance of the above-mentioned offence ought to be taken.

The complaint is filed against Shivan and Narresh, the organizers of the show, and the Editor-in-Chief of ELLE India fashion magazine under sections invoking obscenity, hurting religious sentiments during the month of Ramadan, and public consumption of alcohol under the J&K Excise Act.

The complainant submitted that during the course of the fashion show, several elements of the event, including the attire, choreography, and behavior of the participants, were found to be obscene and offensive.

It was also submitted that the display of this obscene content was disrespectful to the religious and cultural sensibilities of the Muslim community, especially when such an event took place during the month of Ramadan, which seemed to be intended to insult the religious sentiments of Muslims.

It was further submitted that the fashion show not only displayed obscene content but also allowed for the public consumption of alcohol during the event, which is in clear violation of the J&K Excise Act.

The complainant is the Spokesperson of the Awami Ittihad Party and Constituency Incharge, Assembly Constituency, Gulmarg. The complainant has prayed to the court to take cognizance of the alleged offence and issue process against the accused persons and, in the event of their appearance, try, convict, and sentence the accused as per law.

APPEARANCE:

Naveed Bukhtiyar, Advocate FOR Complainant

Nemo for Accused

Case-Title: Aadil Nazir Khan vs Director, Shivan & Narresh & Ors, 2025

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