The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly criticised the obstruction of Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life in Karnataka, affirming that artistic works like films, stand-up comedy, or poetry cannot be stifled merely on the basis of “hurt sentiments”. The court warned against allowing mob censorship to override constitutional freedoms and directed the Karnataka government to ensure the film’s release.
A bench comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan, while hearing a public interest litigation filed by one M Mahesh Reddy, emphasised the growing trend of mob pressure and intolerance towards creative expression. “There is no end to hurting sentiments in India,” the bench remarked. “If a stand-up comedian says something, sentiments are hurt and there is vandalism and protests. Does that mean such performances should be stopped?”
The court noted Karnataka’s affidavit assuring adequate police protection for cinema halls screening Thug Life, which was not released in the state after Haasan’s controversial remarks on the Kannada language. The Tamil film, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Haasan, was released nationwide on June 5 but faced disruptions in Karnataka due to the actor’s comment at a promotional event claiming “Kannada was born out of Tamil”.
Rejecting any justification for vigilante threats or informal bans, the bench observed: “If any individual or group prevents the release of the film or resorts to coercion or violence, the State shall act promptly by taking action under civil and criminal law, including claims for damages.”
The court also grilled the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which had demanded an apology from Haasan. “You actually succumbed to mob pressure. Did you go to the police? No. That means you have no complaints against them. You are just hiding behind them,” Justice Bhuyan said, rebuking KFCC for yielding to protestors and failing to file any formal complaint.
Counsel for RajKamal Film International Ltd, the production house behind Thug Life, informed the bench that the producers had suffered losses exceeding ₹30 crore but were prepared to proceed with screenings if adequate security was provided.
Senior advocate Sanjay Nuli, appearing for the Kannada Sahitya Parishad, said language was an emotional issue in Karnataka and claimed the situation could worsen unless Haasan issued an apology. However, the court rejected the suggestion outright. “Where is the question of apology? You cannot take the law into your hands. If you are hurt by the statements, then file a defamation case,” the bench asserted.
The court concluded the matter after recording the Karnataka government’s assurance, stating that no further guidelines or costs were necessary, but issuing a stern directive that rule of law must prevail over mob dictates.
Justice Manmohan, in an earlier hearing on June 17, underscored that any film certified by the CBFC must be allowed to screen. “You cannot put a gun on people’s heads and say don’t watch the movie,” he said. “We are not saying people must watch it — but it must be allowed to release.”
The controversy stemmed from Haasan’s remark during a promotional event in Chennai on June 3, leading to statewide protests in Karnataka and calls for a ban. The Karnataka High Court also took note of the situation, suggesting that a simple apology might have defused the tensions.
Despite the backlash, the apex court made it clear that public outrage cannot be allowed to override fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution — especially the freedom of speech and artistic expression.
