Saturday, March 19 2005 18:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: People in Defence of Animals, an animal welfare organisation, has filed a PIL in Bombay High Court challenging the use of animals in Hindi film 'Kaal' by producers Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan.

The PIL would come up for hearing on March 23 before a bench headed by chief justice Dalveer Bhandari.

The PIL contended that use of animals in shooting by the film producers was illegal, as they had not obtained permission from Animal Welfare Board of India, according to A Karim Khan, president, People in Defence of Animals.

Khan said his organisation had earlier taken up the issue with the producers of the film but they had taken the stand that movie was shot in Thailand and hence the permission of Animal Welfare Board of India was not necessary.

The contention of the PIL is that the film would be exhibited in India and hence the permission of the Animal Welfare Board is essential, Khan added.