There Can't Be Any Extra Constitutional Restraints: SC Pulls Up WB Govt For Unofficial Ban Of Film "Bhobishyoter Bhoot"

The bench comprising of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Hemant Gupta also disapproved the action of Joint Commissioner of Police in directing the producer to arrange for a private screening of the film for a few senior officials, apprehending that the screening of the film may lead to "political law and order issues". The bench said:

"The State of West Bengal is duty bound, once the film has been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification ("CBFC") to take necessary measures to protect the fundamental right to free speech and expression of the producer and the director and, for that matter, of the viewers to see the film unrestrained by extra-constitutional restraints."

The state has also been asked to take necessary steps for protecting the properties of the theater owners and the safety of the members of the public who wish to view the film.