A Srinagar court has dismissed a criminal complaint alleging obscenity and religious insensitivity against designers Shivan & Narresh and the Editor-in-Chief of Elle India. The complaint pertained to a fashion show held on March 7, 2025, at Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramadan. The complainant, Adil Nazir Khan, claimed that the event featured models in revealing attire and involved public consumption of alcohol, thereby offending religious sentiments.

Special Mobile Magistrate Faizan-i-Nazar ruled that the complaint did not meet the legal standards for obscenity. The court observed that the two models in question were showcasing swimwear, which is within the designers’ area of expertise, and that their attire, in the broader context of the fashion show, did not qualify as obscene under the law .

Regarding the allegation of hurting religious sentiments under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the court noted that prior sanction from the State or Central Government is mandatory before taking cognizance of such offences. Since no such sanction was presented, the court could not proceed with the case .

On the issue of alcohol consumption, the court highlighted that a valid four-hour liquor permit had been issued by the Deputy Excise Commissioner for the event. Furthermore, the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act stipulates that only designated authorities, not private individuals, can file complaints regarding violations under this Act .

Following public backlash, the designers issued an apology, stating their intention was to celebrate creativity without offending religious sentiments. Elle India also removed related content from its social media platforms .

Sources