The petition seeks intervention from the court to ensure that the film does not threaten communal harmony in the country.
Paresh Rawal’s The Taj Story lands in legal trouble
The PIL, filed by advocate Shakeel Abbas, challenges the certification granted to the movie by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). It claims that the film presents “fabricated and provocative content” suggesting that the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple. This narrative, the plea argues, goes against established historical evidence and scholarly consensus.
The controversy began after the film’s poster went viral, showing a statue of Lord Shiva emerging from the Taj Mahal’s iconic dome. The image reignited the decades-old “Tejo Mahalaya” theory—a fringe claim asserting that the Mughal monument was built over a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The depiction has since sparked widespread debate online, with several groups accusing the makers of attempting to distort history.
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According to the petition, the film’s speculative storyline could potentially “erode faith in historical scholarship, provoke communal unrest, and damage the international reputation of the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.” It further states, “That it is indicated that the movie contains deeply divisive scenes that could provoke communal tensions and disturb peace in society. That the film has amplified controversial statements time to time by the BJP leaders and other Hindutva organisations, which may spark communal unrest nationwide.”
The plea has requested the Delhi High Court to direct the CBFC to re-examine the certification of The Taj Story and consider imposing necessary cuts before its release. It has also asked that the film include a clear disclaimer stating that it deals with a “contested narrative.”
About The Taj Story
Directed and written by Tushar Amrish Goel, The Taj Story is a Hindi-language courtroom drama centred on the long-standing debate surrounding the Taj Mahal’s origins. Starring veteran actor Paresh Rawal in a pivotal role, the film is scheduled for release on October 31, 2025.