SC paves the way for release of Padmavat, bars all states from banning release

The Supreme Court has paved way for all India release of film Padmavat on January 25. The Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra stayed the ban on the release of the film at Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana. It also restrained other states from issuing such ban on exhibition of the film.

The court also observed that once a film is given a certification by the CBFC, no state government can prohibit the release of the film. It is the duty of that particular state to maintain law and order, the court said while hearing a plea relating to the release of the controversial film Padmavat.

During the course of the arguments, senior advocate appearing on behalf of VIACOM 18 Media Private Limited, the producers of the film said that law and order is no ground to ban a film. It is a breach of public trust, he submitted. He further submitted that the order passed by the various states not to allow the movie to screen must be set aside. This is because we have certificates to exhibit the film all over India, Salve also said.

Tushar Mehta appearing on behalf of the state of Rajasthan said that tampering of history is not acceptable. Someday they will show even Mahatma Gandhi in poor light, he said.

Salve, however, countered the argument and said that the film is based on a poem and the makers are not here to disrespect history. Mehta said that although the film has passed the CBFC test, they are not aware of the situation in all the states.

Salve further submitted that if states are banning a film, then it is destroying the federal structure. It is a serious matter. If somebody has a problem, then he or she can approach appellate tribunal for relief. The state can't touch the content of a film he also said.

On Wednesday a petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the ban imposed on the film. The movie is slated for a January 25 release. The governments of Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan had banned the release of the film.

OneIndia News