Supreme Court refuses to ban ‘Padmavati’

New Delhi: Taking strong exception to comments made by political leaders, including chief ministers (CM) of some states, on director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial film “Padmavati,” the apex Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday dismissed a plea to ban the film.

The court said those holding public offices should not comment on such issues and it was the prerogative of the Censor Board to review the film and decide on whether or not it was suitable for screening.

“When the matter is pending the consideration of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), how can persons holding public offices comment on whether Board should issue certificate or not?” the Court asked.

Dismissing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma that sought a stay on the movie, a Bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices DY Chandrachud and AM Khanvilkar said such statements made by people holding responsible posts are unwarranted and create disharmony.

“All concerned people, holding responsible posts must be guided by rule of law and should not venture into passing comments on films which have not been cleared by CBFC. It will prejudice minds of Board members while taking a decision,” the Court said.

Slamming the petitioner for filing a “frivolous petition”, SC dismissed criminal prosecution of producers and director of ‘Padmavati.’

“Discussion within the citizenry is a different thing, but how can people in responsible positions issue such statements? The Supreme Court directs Centre to ensure that people in public offices and holding powerful positions should not comment on a movie which has not even been cleared for screening yet,” the Court added.

Last week, Madhya Pradesh (MP) CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan had said that the film will not be allowed to release in his state.

“Even if the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) clears it, I would not allow this film to be released in my state,” Singh had said.

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar said that he would take a decision on whether ‘Padmavati’ will be released in his state only after the film is cleared by Censor Board.

“We will not allow anyone’s sentiments to be hurt. We don’t think it is right to ban a film before Censor Board’s decision,” he said.

Reacting to the release of the film, Uttar Pradesh (UP) CM Yogi Adityanath said action should be taken against director Bhansali for distorting history and hurting sentiments of the people.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said people of several communities had expressed apprehension about the release of the film.

“Till the issues are resolved, ‘Padmavati’ will not be screened in Gujarat. Such issues spoil the environment. The threat of violence can spoil the environment during elections. Keeping law and order issues in mind, ‘Padmavati’ will not be released in Gujarat. The Home Department has initiated the process to look into the matter,” Rupani said last week.

He said his government would not allow history to be distorted.

“We believe in freedom of speech and expression but any foul play with our great culture is not tolerated,” he stated.

‘Padmavati’ is an period film based on epic poem ‘Padmavat’ by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. The film features Deepika Padukone in the title role as queen Padmavati, alongside Shahid Kapoor as king Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Muslim king Alauddin Khilji.

Initially scheduled for December 1, the film’s release was postponed indefinitely in response to protests and threats of violence.