Today, On 17th June, The Supreme Court has directed that Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life must be released in Karnataka, firmly stating, “Can’t allow mob vigilance to take over.” The Court said law must prevail over intimidation and threats.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court issued a notice regarding the ban on the release of Kamal Haasan’s Tamil film Thug Life in Karnataka, criticizing groups that have threatened to obstruct the film’s debut due to controversial comments allegedly made by the actor.
The court asserted that the rule of law cannot be compromised by mob intimidation, stating that “groups of hooligans” should not dictate what is shown in theaters, and Thug Life must be released in accordance with the law.
The bench emphasised that it would intervene to safeguard fundamental rights and freedom of expression, saying, “Can’t allow mob vigilance to take over.”
This comes amid controversy surrounding the actor-politician’s remarks on the Kannada language.
The bench remarked,
“If someone has made a statement, you counter it with another statement. You cannot threaten to burn down theatres,”
It emphasized that while the people of Karnataka are entitled to disagree with Haasan, their fundamental rights must be upheld,
“If enlightened people of Karnataka and Bengaluru believe his statement was wrong, they can issue a statement saying so. Why threaten to burn down cinemas?”
The Supreme Court transferred the petition filed by the film’s producer from the Karnataka High Court to itself and requested a response from the state government.
It questioned the High Court’s involvement, particularly regarding suggestions that the producer should apologize to resolve the matter.
The court stated,
“There is something wrong with the system when one person makes a statement and everyone gets involved. Why should the High Court say ‘express an apology’? That is not its role,”
It emphasized that once a film receives clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), it should be permitted for release.
The court added,
“People can choose not to watch it. But we cannot allow threats and intimidation to decide if a film gets released,”
The court also referenced previous judgments, including the Bombay High Court’s decision in the Mi Nathuram Boltoy play case and the Imran Pratapgarhi ruling, to argue that differing opinions must be tolerated in a democracy.
Reiterating its responsibility, the court concluded,
“We are the custodians of the rule of law. That is what the Supreme Court is for.”
Earlier, The Supreme Court declined to urgently hear a petition seeking protection against threats from groups opposing the screening of “Thug Life,” a recent film featuring Kamal Haasan.
The petition, filed by the Karnataka Theatres Association under Article 32, alleged that certain fringe groups were threatening cinemas in Karnataka that intended to show the film.
The dispute revolves around Karnataka’s ban on the actor’s film, which followed his controversial comments regarding the origins of the Kannada language.
In a hearing at the Karnataka High Court last week concerning a plea for protection to screen the film, the actor declared that he would not release the movie in Karnataka for the time being.
The producers had turned to the High Court after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce imposed a statewide ban on the film’s release in response to demands from pro-Kannada groups.
Case Title: Raajkamal Films International v. State of Karnataka