The Supreme Court has cleared the way for the release of 'Padmaavat' all over India on January 25 by staying the ban imposed by four states on the film. The SC also restrained other states from issuing such a bans on the exhibition of the film. It stated that all states are constitutionally obliged to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents during the film's screening across India.
A bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud observed that the film was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a U/A certificate for an all-Indian screening after keeping in mind the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, which prohibits scenes that denigrate women.
It upheld the petitioners' contention that the film formed a part of the filmmaker's freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution. It said that cinemas are an inseparable part of the right to free speech and expression through the medium of celluloid. Appearing for the film's director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, senior advocate Harish Salve took advantage of a 2011 judgment of the SC that allowed the screening of Prakash Jha's controversial film 'Aarakshan'. The matter was posted for further hearing on March 26.
