Relief for Priya Varrier: SC stays criminal action across India

New Delhi: In what could be a big relief for the internet sensation and the crush of millions of youth Priya Prakash Varrier, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed all criminal actions against the Malayalam actress, who shot to fame following her 'wink song' from the film "Oru Addar Love".

Priya on Tuesday had sought quashing of a spate of complaints and an FIR registered against her and the film director for allegedly hurting the sentiments of a minority community.

Varrier's lawyer Harris Beeran had moved the apex court bench after the cases were lodged against the two in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Priya has reportedly moved the SC seeking a stay order on criminal proceedings against her and the team of the movie.

In a plea, her counsel requested the apex court to list the matter for urgent hearing and it is expected to be taken up today.

FIRs have been registered against Priya and the team of the movie in Telangana and Maharashtra for allegedly hurting the sentiments of a community.

As per a complaint registered in Hyderabad, the song has showed Prophet Mohammad in poor light and carries derogatory references to the Prophet and his wife.

Besides, on February 15, Hyderabad-based Islamic seminary Jamia Nizamia had issued a fatwa and demanded removal of the song from the film.

She took the internet by storm as she got over 1.2 million followers on Instagram in a day. The song clip was shared millions of times with youths setting the clip as their status.