LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday heard a petition against the closure of commercial theatres in the city by the provincial government.
The court upheld the objection of the Registrar’s Office and returned the petition. The registrar’s office has objected to the Theaters Association’s failure to provide the authority letter.
Justice Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal heard the case. The lawyer of Punjab Artists, Producers and Theater Association gave arguments
The lawyer said Commissioner Lahore is closing theatres without any legal justification. He said theaters are being closed for obscenity. He maintained that no obscenity was taking place in the theatre, but clean entertainment was being provided to the citizens.
He said going legal business is the fundamental right of every citizen under the constitution Due to closure of theatres, owners, artists and staff are facing financial difficulties, he added. He urged the court to stop government action and issue orders to open theatres immediately.
The Punjab caretaker government has sealed all theatres in Lahore division after repeated complaints of obscenity and vulgarity.
Caretaker Information Minister Amir Mir said that the government took action after vulgar dances and obscene acts in stage dramas continued despite several warnings and notices.
He said that the responsibility of monitoring stage plays has been entrusted to the Arts Council while dancers will be completely banned. He said that the special team raided late at night and sealed the theatres in Lahore, Sheikhupura and Kasur.
Earlier, during the last week, the Punjab Arts Council had formed 12 teams to monitor the theatres across the province. Caretaker Minister Amir Mir said stage dancers involved in obscenity will be banned for five to 10 years and drama producers for life.
The actresses who were issued show-cause notices included Mehak Butt, Komal Chaudhry, Qismat Shahzadi, Nayab Khan, Sheela Chaudhry, Ayan Akhtar, Sonu Butt, Khushboo Khan, Roshani Khan, Kajal Chaudhry, Sara Khan, Mahnoor and Jia Butt and Tabassum Khan.
