New Delhi, April 1: The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to stay the release of the biopic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi starring Vivek Oberoi. The High Court dismissed a plea which sought a stay on the release of 'PM Narendra Modi' biopic during the Lok Sabha elections as a violation of the model code of conduct. The film, which depicts the journey of Modi from his humble beginnings to becoming the Prime Minister of India, is scheduled to release on April 5.

In the PIL, filed through advocates Ganesh Gupta and Tosif Shaikh, the petitioner stated that 'PM Narendra Modi', if permitted to be released for public viewing before the Lok Sabha polls, would violate the model code of conduct imposed by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The plea questioned the time of the film’s release and said that it would likely earn much electoral mileage for PM Modi if released as per schedule on April 5. PM Narendra Modi Biopic Song Namo Namo: A Rap Track That Clears Any Doubt That Vivek Oberoi’s Film Is All About Modi-Worship.

The petitioner urged the court to pass orders ensuring the film is not released as per the schedule. However, the Delhi High Court, after listening arguments, dismissed the PIL. After several opposition parties criticised the biopic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as propaganda, the ECI issued a show cause notice to producers of the film, who maintained there was no political agenda behind the movie. PM Narendra Modi Biopic: Watch Vivek Oberoi's Transformation into the Indian Prime Minister's Look in This Making Video.

"Political parties wanted us to postpone or should not release the film either. We have submitted papers with the proof and documents that it's nothing like that. There should not be a political agenda behind this. There should be a reason if the movie's release has to be shifted from April 5 to any other date. Now they will get back to us," producer Sandeep Singh said after appearing before the ECI on March 28.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 01, 2019 01:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).