Today, On 13th June, The Supreme Court issued notice on a plea against the ban on Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life in Karnataka. It noted, “So-called ban under threats of violence comes from terror and arson against cinema halls.”
New Delhi: The Supreme Court issued notice in a petition filed against ban imposed on the screening of actor Kamal Haasan’s new movie Thug Life in Karnataka.
The matter came up before a bench of Justices PK Mishra and Manmohan.
The petition challenges the effective stay of the film’s release in Karnataka, reportedly triggered by public opposition against Kamal Haasan’s recent remark that Kannada is a language born from Tamil.
The actor’s statement caused sharp reactions, and theatres in certain parts of the state allegedly came under pressure not to screen the film.
Earlier, 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 production house sought relief from the Supreme Court regarding this matter.
Today, During the hearing, the counsel appearing for the petitioner strongly criticised the situation, saying,
“The state has completely capitulated.”
The lawyer further added,
“Hate speech seeking institution of riots. They have joined hands with extremist elements.”
Referring to an incident involving one of the cinemas screening the movie, the counsel said,
“One of the theatres were seized while women and children were still inside!”
He continued, “No FIR was registered. The theatre management were running for cover!”
The petitioner’s side submitted that although the movie has been granted proper certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), it is still not being allowed to be exhibited in Karnataka due to threats of violence and intimidation.
The Supreme Court, while taking note of the urgency, recorded in its order,
“It is argued that the duly certified movie is not allowed to be streamed in the state of Karnataka.”
The Court further noted,
“The so called ban under threats of violence come from terror and arson against cinema halls targeting linguistic minorities.”
Considering the seriousness of the matter and the alleged threat to freedom of expression, the bench issued notice to the respondents.
The plea is expected to be heard further after the respondents file their reply.
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