Kathmandu — The film 'Lalibazar' has been drawn into a legal dispute on the eve of its release. Hearing a writ petition filed on the grounds that the self-respect of the Badi community had been hurt, the Patan High Court issued a short-term interim order directing that the film not be screened until Baisakh 22.

Dr. Roshani Nepali has accused the film of misrepresenting the community's suffering. The court has summoned both sides for discussion.

Although the production team claims the story is based on real events, the controversy has cast uncertainty over the film's future. Meanwhile, film professionals have staged a protest at Maitighar in support of creative freedom.