Saturday, January 14, 2006

Rakesh Sharma vs NYPD : NYCLU files lawsuit

On Jan 10, 2006, New York Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit. Their press release is at http://www.nyclu.org/sharma_pr_011006.html

Those who want to read the text of the lawsuit can go to http://www.nyclu.org/pdfs/sharma_suit_011006.pdf

I'd like to thank evryone who signed the protest petition as well as those who have supported the film.

Rakesh

Update: Both NYC and NYPD chose to settle the lawsuit out of court. NYCLU and I insisted on changes in the existing regulations, on the grounds that they restricted freedom of expression. New York city dropped its formal regulation insisting on permits (that necessiated costly insurance premium) - now documentary film-makers shooting candid-camera or cine-verite style no longer need any permits. The lawsuit was settled in Apr-May 2007 after two long years involving much legal paperwork, affidavits, my lawyers' depositions of the NYPD personnel involved and my own 8-9 hour long deposition!