SC Agrees To Hear Producer's Plea Against Ban On Movie 'Padmavat' In Some States

Is it fair on the part of some states to ban the controversial film ‘ Padmavat ’? the Supreme Court has agreed to examine this issue on a petition moved by its producer Viacom.

The movie is expected  to be released on January 25.

During a mentioning of the petition, Chief Justice Dipak Misra said the petition will be heard tomorrow.

 Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have apparently indicated that they may ban the movie.

“The move by states  is unfortunate especially when we consider the fact that the film has undergone many changes including that of the title which has been changed from Padmavati to Padmavat as per the suggestions of the censor board”, said the plea

Referring the case of ‘Muzzafarnagar-The Burning Love” movie in which Supreme Court had warned against selective bans, the  producer said the apex court in an earlier case clarified that “screening of a film can only be suspended in a particular area because of the law and order situation in that area and it cannot be completely banned statewide..such a ban is illegal”.

EARLIER PETITION

It is to be noted that on November 28  the Supreme Court took serious note of “people holding high public offices” making adverse comments on the controversial Bollywood movie ‘Padmavati” starring Deepika Padukone and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali  when the film’s clearance was pending before the CBFC, the censor board.

“Such an act is clear breach of law and will only go on to prejudice the decision of the CBFC. It will go on to influence the decision makers”, a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had said.

The bench had dismissed the PIL filed by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma seeking a stay on the release of the movie in UK after the producer said they did not have any such plans for the time being.

How can people sitting outside make such comments if the CBFC should clear the movie or issue certificate or not?, the bench had asked.

“We are sure they (the leaders) will be guided by the basic premise under the rule of law and not venture outside,” the bench had added.