Madras High Court to hear petition on release of "The Da Vinci Code"

Chennai: The Madras High Court will today hear a petition seeking to nullify a Tamil Nadu government order suspending the screening of "The Da Vinci Code". On May 31, the state government in its order stated that the controversial film, based on Dan Brown's novel by the same name, might hurt the people's sentiments and affect peace and calmness in Tamil Nadu. The novel claims Jesus married his female disciple Mary Magdalene and had a child with her. The petitions were filed by Sony Pictures India Ltd. and Anuroshi Films in Chennai. Anuroshi films also sought a direction from the High Court directing the authorities concerned to permit screening of the film in theatres across the state. [More]