The Incident
Jammu & Kashmir police have filed an FIR against Bollywood influencer Orhan Awatramani, aka, Orry, along with seven others. The persons apprehended were allegedly consuming alcohol at a hotel in Katra which is the base camp for the revered Hindu pilgrimage of Vaishno Devi. A widespread debate has sparked for the site holds significant religious relevance and the stringent prohibitions against alcohol in the region should not have paved the way for such an incident.
The accused individuals were reportedly staying at a hotel in Katra when a video surfaced on social media where the accused persons were allegedly depicted consuming alcohol. The video led to outrage among devotees and locals and the authorities were consequently prompted to take adequate legal measures.
The police have booked them under relevant sections of the Excise Act and the Bhartiya Nyaya Samhita.
Law enforcement agencies have prudently initiated an investigation into the matter. According to reports, the FIR was lodged following the complaints from local residents and religious groups who found the incident deeply offensive.
Given Katra’s status as a sacred pilgrimage town, any act that violates religious sentiments is met with strong opposition.
The administration has reiterated the strict prohibition of alcohol within the vicinity of the shrine and has reiterated that any violations to the set rule will not be tolerated. The police are also probing as to how the accused procured and consumed alcohol in an area where its sale is heavily restricted.
Further Ramifications
The case is likely to proceed under public nuisance and violations of religious sanctity. If convicted, the individuals may face fines or imprisonment.
Legal experts suggest that the severity of the punishment will depend on the gravity and extent to which the allegations are corroborated through evidence.
Implications of this incident
The incident has reignited discussions about the responsibility of influencers and celebrities when visiting such culturally significant sites. Many argue that public figures should be more mindful of their actions as their influence on young audiences is an implausible effect.
Meanwhile, advocates on behalf of the accused have raised concerns about whether the reaction has been disproportionate, as it is believed that the law is being selectively enforced. The case continues to draw attention and the social media is divided over whether this is a matter of legal accountability or an overblown controversy.
About Author
Tanishq, a law student at the Department of Legal Studies and Research, Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, is a budding legal writer with a sharp eye for evolving legal landscapes. Passionate about Intellectual Property Rights, Constitutional Law, and Women and Child Safety Laws, Tanishq actively explores contemporary legal nuances through writing and research.