NEW DELHI: Taking strong exception to the statements made by persons holding high offices including several Chief Ministers against Padmavati, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said that the remarks were unwarranted for the movie, which is yet to be certified by the Central Bureau of Film Certification (CBFC).
A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra dismissed a fresh petition that had sought an order to restrain the producers of the movie from releasing it outside India. This is the third time in a month when the apex court had refused to pass order seeking stay on the release of the film.
“When the matter is pending for CBFC’s consideration, how can persons holding public offices comment on whether CBFC should issue certificate or not? It’ll prejudice decision-making of CBFC. All concerned people, holding responsible posts must be guided by rule of law and shouldn’t venture into passing comments on films which haven’t been cleared by CBFC.
“Such an act is clear breach of law and will only go on to prejudice the decision of the CBFC. It will go on to influence the decision-makers,” the bench said.
The court also slammed lawyer M L Sharma who in his plea had sought a direction to the CBI to register a case against Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and others for various offences including defamation and violation of the Cinematography Act.
The irked bench termed the plea as misconceived and said that the court cannot pre-judge a movie, which is yet to be certified by the CBFC.
Bengali film industry observes ‘blackout’
At a time when states are banning the release of Padmavati, West Bengal’s Tollywood came out in support of the film by suspending work for 15 minutes and sporting black armbands at the Film Studios in Kolkata on Tuesday. Tollywood protesters said they took the cue from a similar protest at Goregaon Studios in Mumbai on Monday. “If there are issues with Padmavati, let the public decide it. Who are these groups to issue fatwas?” said Indrani Haldar, Tollywood actress.