DK Shivakumar urges Kannada activists to respect SC’s directive allowing the film’s screening, saying law must be followed and peace maintained.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday asked Kannada activists and organisations to respect the Supreme Court’s order that allowed the release of Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life.
This appeal came after several Kannada groups protested against the film and tried to stop its screening, following the actor’s earlier comments on the Kannada language, which they found offensive.
The Supreme Court had recently criticised the Karnataka government for not doing enough to ensure that the film was released without trouble.
The Court clearly stated that,
“mob and vigilante justice cannot be allowed to take over the streets.”
Speaking to the media, DK Shivakumar said,
“We have to abide by the Supreme Court order with honour. Everyone has limitations. I appeal to various organisations that we must have our limitations.”
He added that the rule of law must be followed and no one should break the law in the name of protest.
“No one should take the law into their hands. Karnataka has always been a peace-loving state. We gave activists the space to voice their concerns, but the court’s order must be respected.”
Despite the film Thug Life being released across the country on June 5, protests by some Kannada groups led to disruptions in its screening across several parts of Karnataka.
These groups had also lodged police complaints and warned cinema halls not to show the movie, claiming Kamal Haasan had hurt the sentiments of Kannada-speaking people with his comments about the language’s history.
DK Shivakumar highlighted Bengaluru’s inclusive and welcoming nature and reminded everyone of the city’s reputation as a global hub where people from different backgrounds live peacefully.
He said,
“We have accommodated all castes, cultures, and languages in this international city. The people of Karnataka have always been large-hearted.”
He also assured citizens that the government is committed to protecting the pride and self-respect of Kannada and its culture. But at the same time, he stressed that the judiciary must be honoured.
“No one can spoil the self-esteem of Kannada and the state government is also in favour of it but one has to honour the court.”
Case Title:
Raajkamal Films Internationl AND State of Karnataka & Others
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