The Supreme Court on Friday (June 13) issued notice to the State of Karnataka on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition challenging the “extra-judicial ban” on the screening of Tamil feature film Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam, in Karnataka. A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Manmohan posted the petition, filed by one Mahesh Reddy, for next Tuesday.
The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, contends that despite Thug Life being granted certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Karnataka government has prevented its theatrical release through oral instructions and police interference, without issuing any official prohibitory order or any registration of an FIR qua the same.
Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate-on-Record A. Velan argued that such actions by the State amount to an unconstitutional restriction on free speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) and submitted that the State of Karnataka has completely “capitulated” to extremist elements who were attacking linguistic minorities and calling for the burning of theatres.
“It is argued that a duly CBFC-certified Tamil feature film Thug Life is not allowed to be screened in the theatres in the State of Karnataka. The so-called ban under threat of violence stems not from any lawful process but from a deliberate campaign of terror, including explicit threat of arson against cinema halls, incitement of large-scale violence targeting linguistic minorities. Considering the urgency shown and the issue brought before this court, we issue notice to the respondent,” the bench observed in the order.
Counsels for the Petitioner:
A. Velan, Advocate on Record;
Navpreet Kaur, Adv;
Nilay Rai, Adv;
Prince Singh, Adv.
