Ajay Shastri (Editor) BCR NEWS / BOLLYWOOD CINE REPORTER, Email: editorbcr@gmail.com :::::::::::::
BCR NEWS (Mumbai) Viveck Shettyy, Head of Media Cell of Consumer Guidance Society Of India (CGSI) ,has filed a complaint against M/s New England Brewing Company , having their head office in Connecticut,USA for using the photograph of Gandhi on their beer cans and selling them in certain parts of India.
The complaint has been filed before the honourable Metropolitan Magistrate at the 66th court , Andheri under sections 501, 502, 505(1) (c) , 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code. Mr. Viveck Shettyy, Head of Media Cell of CGSI (Consumer Guidance Society of India ) stated that ” Mahatma Gandhi is the father of our nation , I hold him in great respect. I am deeply shocked and hurt by the use of his picture on beer cans sold in our country. Mahatma Gandhi abstained from alcohol all his life, this is a mockery and insult to his principles and values of life . It is also ironic that while the President Of America , Barack Obama , has been deeply inspired by Gandhi , as repeatedly stated in his various speeches , an American brewery should stoop to this level for brand promotion and sales .”
He further added, ” A mere apology would not serve the purpose . I would like to appeal to the Honourable Court to ban this beer “. Further the beer is called “GANDHI BOT” and has a tag line that describes it as ” An ideal aid for self purification and the seeking of truth and love ” . A national Figure lIke Mahatma Gandhi is being defamed and insulted for petty commercial gains. Authorities who have sanctioned permission for these kind of products also need to be questioned.
Viveck Shettyy observed that , ” This could kickstart a trend that may lead to use of Gandhi photographs on all harmful products and substances and further extend to vulgarity and obscenity. It must be nipped in the bud and taken to its logical conclusion.”
