ibn sultan
The court has issued a summons to designers Shivan and Narresh in connection with the Elle India fashion show held in Gulmarg in early March 2025, which has continued to spark legal and public backlash.
The Special Mobile Magistrate in Srinagar issued the pre-cognizance notice on March 11, following a case filed by Aadil Nazir Khan. The matter is now set for its next hearing on April 8, 2025, at the Srinagar/Railway Magistrate Court, sources told The Kashmiriyat.
In his statement, Khan, as per The Kashmiriyat, expressed deep concern over the incident that occurred during the sacred period of fasting and prayer for Muslims. He stated that while scrolling through social media on March 9, 2025, he came across a video of the fashion show that he described as “inappropriate and offensive,” with certain elements of the show being explicitly sexualized and disrespectful to Kashmiri culture and Muslim values. Khan said, “The event was not only obscene but also offensive to the religious sentiments of the Muslim community, especially during the holy month of Ramadan,” the complaint, of which a copy is available with The Kashmiriyat, read.
The complainant emphasized that the event not only involved offensive content but also allowed the public consumption of alcohol, an act that contradicts the religious principles of Ramadan. He pointed out that “the timing of the show, coupled with the display of obscenity and alcohol consumption, was a deliberate insult to the Muslim community’s religious beliefs.”
According to the complaint, the actions of the organizers violate various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 299, which addresses acts intended to outrage religious feelings, Section 296, which penalizes obscene acts in public spaces, and Section 50A of the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act, 1958, which prohibits the consumption of alcohol in public places.
The matter has sparked widespread public outrage, with several political and religious leaders condemning the event. In particular, the sitting Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir expressed shock and called for an investigation into the matter.
The CM’s office issued a statement that read, “We are deeply concerned about the incident and will ensure a thorough inquiry into the matter.”
Khan, in his legal filing, is seeking the court’s intervention to take cognizance of the alleged offense, issue process against the accused, and ensure that justice is served. He has requested adequate compensation and the costs of litigation under relevant sections of the BNS Act.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case has drawn attention to the intersection of cultural sensitivity, public morality, and the role of social media in spreading potentially harmful content. The court’s decision on whether to issue a process against the accused will be awaited with great anticipation.
The complainant, through his counsel Advocate Naveed Bukhtiyar, has asked the court to take appropriate action, stating that the petition is made in good faith and in the interest of justice.
The fashion show, organized to mark the 15th anniversary of Shivan and Narresh’s label, featured models in skiwear against the snowy backdrop of the popular ski resort. However, it has drawn widespread criticism from local residents, leaders, and religious groups, with many deeming it “obscene” and inappropriate.
In response to the backlash, the designers apologized, stating that their intent was to celebrate creativity rather than offend religious or cultural values. Despite this, the controversy has escalated into a legal matter, with photographers involved in capturing the event also facing scrutiny.
The outcome of the April 8 hearing could play a crucial role in shaping the next steps for the designers and the fashion industry’s approach to sensitive cultural contexts.(Agencies)
