The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday dismissed a petition seeking a complete prohibition on artists from Pakistan participating or working in the country. The petitioner, Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, identified as a cine worker and artist, had urged the court to impose a ban on Pakistani artists involved in various fields, including cinema, music, and more.

A panel of justices, including Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti, expressed reluctance to interfere with the Bombay High Court's decision to reject Qureshi's petition. The Supreme Court bench went on to advise against pursuing the appeal, cautioning against a "narrow-minded" perspective.

Moreover, the court declined the request to expunge specific comments made by the high court against the petitioner. The original petition had called for the central government to enforce a comprehensive prohibition on Indian citizens, entities, and associations from engaging with or employing Pakistani artists.

The Bombay High Court, in its initial rejection of the petition, emphasized that the remedies sought were counterproductive to the promotion of cultural harmony, unity, and peace. The court asserted that being a patriot does not require harboring animosity towards individuals from foreign nations, particularly neighboring countries.

The court defined a genuine patriot as someone dedicated to the well-being of their country, exhibiting qualities rooted in a benevolent nature. It highlighted that a true patriot would welcome activities fostering peace, harmony, and tranquility, both domestically and internationally.

The high court order acknowledged the transcendent nature of activities like arts, music, sports, culture, and dance, emphasizing their ability to promote peace and unity across national boundaries. It noted positive measures taken by the Indian government, such as allowing Pakistan's participation in the Cricket World Cup, as evidence of efforts towards international peace and security, in line with constitutional principles.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court's rejection of the petition reinforces the importance of cultural exchange and positive relations between nations, highlighting the role of art and sports in fostering peace and harmony beyond borders.