P&H HC Stays Criminal Trial Against Actor Rajkummar Rao Over Alleged Hurt Sentiments During Film Promotion

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has stayed the criminal trial against actor Rajkummar Rao, who was booked for allegedly hurting religious sentiments during a promotional event for his film.

In 2017, during the promotion of the movie "Behan Hogi Teri", the producer had posted an image of Rao dressed as Lord Shiva sitting on a motorcycle.

The court noted that the allegations lacked prima facie evidence of intentional offence and emphasised the need to protect freedom of expression.

The stay will remain in effect until further examination, preventing unnecessary harassment of the actor under stringent laws like Section 295A of the IPC.

[Rajkummar Rao v. State of Punjab and another]