No, not a banana republic

THE Supreme Court has performed its constitutional dharma rather well by refusing to recall its order on the release of the movie, Padmaavat. It is a matter of satisfaction that the apex court saw through the cynical game of the BJP governments in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh: both wanted the apex court to pull their chestnuts out of caste fire for them. Both governments cited the possibility of violence by the “aggrieved” caste groups as the ground for recalling the Padmaavat release order. Undeterred by the violence  and arson that were staged in Ahmedabad, the apex court refused to get intimidated and cinema-lovers can hope to watch the much-awaited movie on its release on Thursday. 

It is now pretty obvious that this prolonged — and, contrived — controversy of Padmaavat is essentially a political project, aimed at rekindling medieval animosities. Certain political forces and groups are insistent on stoking social tensions, which, in turn, can be made to produce electoral dividends. After much to and fro between the producers and the censor board, the movie has received clearance. That is where the matter should have ended.  Yet, the so-called “Karni Sena” and lumpen elements remain defiant and rowdy.  

The Supreme Court did well by refusing to buy the argument of “apprehension” on the law and order count. Justice DY Chandrachud rightly noted that a street mob could not be allowed to decide whether a movie is screened or not — or, for that matter, having any say in a governance issue. All state governments have a constitutional obligation to ensure that the Supreme Court order is complied with, and any Chief Minister who refuses to fall in line would invite Article 256. The followers and patrons of outfits like the Karni Sena are doing a great disservice to the nation: they are undermining India’s image as a lawful, peaceful and orderly land, wedded to rule of law. At a time when the Modi government is desperately soliciting the goodwill and indulgence of foreign investors, we cannot allow a ridiculously miniscule minority to reduce India to a banana republic.