A powerful film that reignites the national dialogue on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), equality, justice & genuine secularism for all – Kiren Rijiju
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju sparked speculations about the ‘Uniform Civil Code’ after his social media post went viral. Rijiju attended a special screening of hindi movie HAQ with its star cast Emran Hashmi and Yami Gautam.
Sharing pics of the event Kiren Rijiju wrote, “A powerful film that reignites the national dialogue on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), equality, justice & genuine secularism for all”.
The screening was attended by several high-profile figures including Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, former Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, Delhi Haj Committee Chairperson Kausar Jahan, and Times Network Editor-in-Chief Navika Kumar. The films cast and crew along with legal experts, media professionals and government representatives were also present on the occasion.
HAQ is a courtroom drama inspired by the real-life Shah Bano case of 1985, which became a turning point in India’s legal history. The story follows a woman who, after being abandoned by her husband, seeks justice through the courts. Her case becomes a national debate over whether personal religious laws should prevail over the constitutional guarantee of equality. Yami Gautam portrays the central character “Shazia Bano,” while Emraan Hashmi plays a pivotal role that ties together the film’s emotional and legal layers.
The movie uses this powerful story to question where the line lies between faith and constitutional rights. It explores issues of gender justice, equality before the law and the broader idea of whether India should adopt a Uniform Civil Code — one set of laws applicable to all citizens, regardless of religion.
Rijiju’s public endorsement of the film adds political weight to its release, as he called it a “meaningful contribution to the national conversation on justice and secularism.” His post has received hundreds of reactions and shares, with many praising the initiative to use cinema as a platform for civic dialogue.
However, HAQ has not been free from controversy. Members of the original Shah Bano’s family have reportedly raised objections and sent legal notices, claiming the movie draws too closely from personal history without consent. Despite that, the film’s producers have confirmed that it will release on November 7, 2025, and that the censor board has cleared it without cuts.
As HAQ prepares to hit theatres, the combination of Rijiju’s endorsement, the film’s bold subject, and the presence of prominent public figures at its screening ensures it will remain at the center of public debate — not just as a film, but as a cultural event reviving one of India’s most significant legal discussions.