A court in Srinagar has issued a legal notice to fashion designers Shivan & Narresh, the Editor-in-Chief of ELLE India, and unnamed models over allegations of obscenity, offending religious sentiments during Ramadan, and public alcohol consumption at a fashion show in Gulmarg.
The controversy arose after a ski-wear fashion event was held on March 7 in the snow-covered meadows of Gulmarg to mark the 15th anniversary of the Delhi-based designer brand. The complainant has sought legal action under Sections 296 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 50-A of the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act, 1958.
#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: On the case filed against the organisers of the Gulmarg Fashion Show, Advocate Naveed Bukhtiyar says, "... Recently, an obscene fashion show was organised in Gulmarg and there was public consumption of alcohol. It hurt the religious sentiments of the… pic.twitter.com/tssumfJPiP
— ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2025
Before proceeding with the case, the court has asked the accused to respond, as required under Section 223(1) of BNSS 2023. The matter will be reviewed on April 8.
The fashion show has sparked widespread criticism from the public and political circles. The issue was also raised in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly.
“We have already launched an inquiry. However, initial findings show that it was a private four-day event held at a private hotel in Gulmarg,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told the Assembly. “The fashion show took place on March 7 and certain aspects of it have understandably hurt people’s sentiments.”
Speaking after Question Hour, which was disrupted for nearly 30 minutes over the fashion show and the recent killing of three civilians in Kathua district, Abdullah acknowledged that the concerns raised by members were valid.
However, Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma, a senior BJP leader, criticised Abdullah, accusing him of feigning ignorance about the event despite it being held at a hotel owned by his relatives.
The show provoked sharp reactions, with religious leaders condemning it for disrespecting local traditions, particularly during Ramadan.
Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also criticised the event, calling it an insult to Kashmiri culture and religious values.
The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) also strongly objected, describing the show as a disregard for local customs and beliefs. They demanded a thorough, time-bound investigation into what they termed a “semi-nude” fashion show.
“The sight of scantily dressed models and open alcohol consumption in Gulmarg has deeply hurt the religious and cultural sentiments of locals. We strongly condemn this act,” the association said in a statement.
