A Srinagar court has dismissed the obscenity charges filed against fashion designers Shivan & Narresh and Elle India’s editor-in-chief for their March 7 ski-resort fashion show in Gulmarg. The show, which included swimwear and resort wear, had drawn criticism and legal complaints over alleged violations of public decency during the holy month of Ramadan.

On May 2, Special Mobile Magistrate Faizan-i-Nazar delivered the judgment, concluding that the outfits shown — including a sporty bikini and boardshorts worn by models — did not meet the legal threshold for obscenity. The court emphasized that in the context of a full ski- and après-ski-themed collection, which also included technical gear and winter outerwear, the more revealing pieces were not intended to provoke or offend.

The petition, filed by a local complainant, alleged that the fashion show disrespected religious sentiments and violated the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. However, the court found no merit in the claim, stating that the selective focus on just two outfits ignored the broader intent and presentation of the collection.

The judge also dismissed accompanying charges of unauthorized alcohol consumption during the event. The organizers, it was revealed, had obtained the necessary permissions and ensured responsible service, contradicting claims of public misconduct.

The fashion show had attracted widespread attention due to its bold take on alpine resort fashion, blending modern aesthetics with high-altitude utility. However, it also sparked backlash in conservative circles and became the subject of intense media and social media scrutiny.

In the ruling, Magistrate Faizan-i-Nazar underlined the importance of context in interpreting visual content and reiterated that fashion expression — even when unconventional — is not inherently obscene or illegal. The verdict is being seen as a win for creative freedom in India’s fashion industry.

Shivan & Narresh, known for redefining Indian luxury swimwear and resort collections, issued a brief statement after the court’s ruling, thanking their supporters and reiterating their commitment to “celebrating design, inclusivity, and cultural respect.”

The fashion community and free speech advocates welcomed the verdict as a precedent for safeguarding artistic expression in the face of moral policing.