SC Disposes Of Petition Seeking Stay On Film Padmavati’s Release [Read Petition]

Observing that the Censor Board will follow its guidelines while issuing certificate to Bollywood film Padmavati, Chief Justice Dipak Misra-led bench has disposed of a petition seeking direction to stay the release of movie.

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much hyped upcoming movie is scheduled to be released on December 1.

Justice Misra said: “Since the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is yet to be certifying the film, we do not want to take over the jurisdiction of statutory authority” and disposed of the PIL.

A petition by lawyer Siddharajsinh Mahavirsinh Chudasama  and others, all belonging to the Rajput community from Gujarat, had sought to “constitute a committee of eminent historians and prominent citizens and pre-screening of the movie for the select committee which will have the mandate to check the veracity of the script of the movie in question so that there is no inaccuracy in the portrayal of Rani Padmavati”.

Petitioner’s counsel senior advocate Anjana Prakash, assisted by Advocate Rajat Kapoor, submitted that the board has given certificate to trailer in which it is shown that Rani Padmavati is doing a Ghoomar dance.

They prayed for constitution of a committee of eminent historians to see the pre-release of movie.

According to the petition, revered figure, Rani Padmavati is sought to be desecrated by the movie in the name of artistic freedom.

It was submitted that Rani Padmavati, a medieval-era queen of Chittorgarh, is worshipped by Rajputs as Sati Rani Padmavati in numerous temples of Rajasthan and the most prominent temple is situated inside the Palace of Chittorgarh where thousands of Hindus pay obeisance.