Maharashtra: The state’s stand not to allow any cast or crew above 65 years of age to be present for the shooting of films and television serials. But the Bombay HC on Tuesday asked the government how are physically fit senior citizens expected to live if they are not allowed to go out for shooting and earn their livelihood.
The question about guidline set by High Court was posed by a bench of Justices Shahrukh Kathawalla and Riyaz Chagla. They asked question while hearing a petition filed by film and TV artist Pramod Pandey (70). Pandey had challenged the state age guideline for the media entertainment industry .
Government pleader Poornima Kantharia replied that the age limit was fixed because of pandemic, according to the lockdown rules, however the judges pointed out the state has allowed 30% of staff at private offices without any age restriction.
She also pointed there is no such restriction on those who travel in trains, buses and planes. “A person cannot be deprived of his livelihood. He wants to earn and is not allowed to earn. You deprive him of his meals…Are you going to feed him?” asked Justice Kathawalla, and she said that the crew includes junior artistes who earn around Rs 600 a day. “And here we have a municipal commissioner who says everything is okay in Bombay”.
The affidavit also said the judges, should also state whether “any data/report/statistics” were considered before issuing the age restriction and “whether a similar rule is made applicable to individuals above 65 years during travel in trains, buses, aircraft”, to those allowed to attend shops/private offices and individuals who are allowed to attend funerals and weddings. “Answer all our questions,” said Justice Kathawalla, posting the hearing to Friday.
