SC trashes PIL against ‘Padmavati’, pulls up leaders for pre-judging film

Satya Prakash

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Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 28

The Supreme Court on Tuesday yet again dismissed a PIL seeking a ban on global release of Deepika Padukone-starrer ‘Padmavati’, and asked political leaders holding high offices not to “pre-judge” the film.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) should be allowed to do its job. It said statements of those holding high office about the controversial film opposed by many Rajputs amounted to pre-judging it. It violated the rule of law, it added.

The film’s producers have already deferred its release which was originally scheduled on December 1 after the CBFC return it to them, saying the file was “incomplete”.

On behalf of the filmmakers, senior advocate Harish Salve said the film would not be released aboard until it received a CBFC certificate. “There is no intention to do so as of now,” Salve said.

The Chief Ministers of Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh had spoken against the film and said even if given a certificate by CBFC they would not allow its release. It dismissed a PIL filed by advocate ML Sharma. This was third unsuccessful attempt by him to get the film’s release stopped.

“We are sure they (the leaders) will be guided by the basic premise under the rule of law and not venture outside,” the Bench added, expressing concern over the way chief ministers of three BJP-ruled states have spoken against the film to ban it. The court did not name any leader.

“If court cannot pre-judge, we are surprised how anybody else can pre-judge the film under the law,” it said while seeking the view of Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh who agreed statements by responsible persons were unwarranted. The court, however, made it clear that it was not against citizens commenting on the film. 

House panel summons Bhansali, joshi  

The parliamentary committee on IT has invited “Padmavati” director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and CBFC chief  Prasoon Joshi to hear their views on the controversy over the film. Top officials said Bhansali is “shying away” from an appearance.

Bihar bans epic drama 

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday ordered a ban on “Padmavati” in the state “till controversy surrounding it gets over”. The order came after BJP MLA Neeraj Kumar Bablu, a Rajput whose community has been protesting against the film, demanded it  from the CM.