The Supreme Court on Thursday told the Karnataka government to ensure that there is no obstruction to the release of Kamal Haasan-starrer film, Thug Life, in Karnataka.
Haasan's comment that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' had recently triggered a backlash and calls to boycott his film.In an earlier hearing of the matter, the Supreme Court had criticised the State for allowing mob rule to take over, leading to a delay in the film's release in Karnataka.The Court today criticised the State for its inaction to deal with such threats to free speech.
The State assured the Court that it will grant protection to the film makers so that the film's release is not obstructed in Karnataka owing to mob or vigilante groups.The Bench of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Manmohan recorded this undertaking in its order today."In view of the stand taken by the State in the affidavit it is not necessary to delve into the rival contentions ... The affidavit also discloses that in the event the movie is released the state will provide full protection and security for the same.
In the hearing today, Mr. Satish Parasaran appearing for Raaj Kamal Films submits that he is satisfied with the stand taken by the State government. And he would not like to pursue further with the writ petition. We direct the state that in the event any body tries to forcibly obstruct the release of the movie, the State shall act promptly against such groups," the Court's order said.
The Court passed the order on a petition filed by a Bengaluru resident, M Mahesh Reddy, who highlighted that despite having a valid censor certificate, the film Thug Life was effectively banned in Karnataka due to threats by fringe organisations and inaction by State authorities.His counsel, advocate A Velan, urged the top court to lay down some guidelines to prevent such incidents from recurring in future.However, the Court declined to issue any such guidelines.
"Now that the State has come up with the affidavit paving the way for the release of the movie in Karnataka, we feel that it would be in the interest of justice to give closure to the present proceedings. Therefore we do not feel like it is an appropriate case to issue guidelines or impose costs," it said.However, the Bench reiterated that the State cannot bow to pressure from vigilante groups in such matters.
"Just because of an opinion a movie is stopped, a stand up comedian is stopped, a person is stopped from reciting a poem ... You (State) succumbed to their pressure. In such circumstances state has a duty. Simply saying ban is not imposed will take it nowhere. You are hiding behind these groups. In India, there will be no end to hurt sentiments. Stand up comedian says something, everybody is hurt, then there is vandalism. Where are we heading?" the Court remarked.
Follow us
