'No End To Hurt Sentiments In India; Where Are We Heading?' : Supreme Court On 'Thug Life' Film Row

The Supreme Court on Thursday (June 19) closed a PIL challenging the unofficial ban on the screening of Tamil feature film Thug Life in Karnataka, in view of the statement made by the State Government that it has not imposed any ban on the film and that it will provide "full protection and security" for the screening of the film if the producers decide to release it in the State.However, during the hearing, the Court orally made several pertinent comments, expressing disappointment with the trend of artistic creations being stalled due to protests by groups who claim that their sentiments were hurt."We cannot allow this to happen. Just because of an opinion, should a movie be stopped? A stand-up comedy should be stopped?Recital of a poem should be stopped?," the bench asked during the hearing.A bench comprising Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Manmohan was hearing a PIL filed by one Mahesh Reddy seeking directions to allow the screening of 'Thug Life', which was not released in Karnataka after certain groups issued threats against its exhibition following the remarks of Kamal Haasan, the lead actor and one of the producers of the film, that Kannada was born out of Tamil.On June 17, while hearing the matter, the Court had told the State that it cannot allow mobs and vigilante groups to take over and that exhibition of a film which was duly certified by the CBFC cannot be stalled due to such protests.Following that, the State of Karnataka filed an affidavit yesterday stating that it will give protection for the screening of the film. At the outset of the hearing, the bench appreciated the stand taken by the State. Kamal Haasan's Raj Kamal Film International Ltd, one of the producers of the film, expressed satisfaction with the State's stand. The bench then proposed to close the matter, recording the Karnataka Government's statement.However, Advocate A Velan, for the petitioner, submitted that the State has not taken any action against the persons who issued the threats against the film and that its affidavit is silent about that issue. He pointed out that the Supreme Court has issued various guidelines with respect to mob vigilantism and hate speeches, which the State was bound to follow in the instant case.The State's counsel submitted that the petitioner was referring to cases where the Governments imposed bans on films and that those judgments are not applicable here as the State has not banned the film."We appreciate that..but what you intend to do against those groups which threatened?" Justice Bhuyan asked."We will take action. We are duty-bound to," the State replied. He added that the dispute was essentially between the film producer and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce(KFCC).The KFCC's counsel submitted that they did not issue any threats and only wrote a letter to the producer informing about the protests. "We issued a letter, saying that there was widespread protests and kindly consider issuing an apology," he said."Because of this(protests), should the movie be stopped, or stand up comedy should be stopped or reciting poem should be stopped?," Justice Bhuyan asked.When the KFCC counsel said that the mob entered their offices, Justice Bhuyan asked if they had made any complaint to the police. "You succumbed to mob pressure. Did you go to the police? No. That means you have no complaints against them. You are hiding behind them," Justice Bhuyan observed."There is no end to hurt sentiments in India. If a stand-up comedian says something, sentiments are hurt and there is vandalism...where are we heading?" Justice Bhuyan wondered.The KFCC counsel said that they will abide by any order passed by the Court.Senior Advocate Sanjay Nuli, appearing for the Kannada Sahitya Parishad, submitted that language is an emotive issue, and sentiments were running high."Do you support the unofficial ban on the movie and burning down of theatres? What is your stand?" Justice Bhuyan asked. "The movie can be screened, subject to an apology by the actor. Otherwise, it will aggravate the situation,"Nuli said."Where is the question of apology?" Justice Bhuyan asked. "You cannot take the law into your hands. If you are hurt by the statements, then file a defamation case," Justice Manmohan told Nuli. Nuli then said that he was not supporting anyone taking law into their own hands. "Not for any moment we will support any violence," Nuli said. "And you will not obstruct the release of the movie," Justice Bhuyan told him. Nuli agreed.Senior Advocate Satish Parasaran, for the Raj Kamal Films, said that the statements were not made by any "fringe elements" but by a Minister himself. He said that Rs 30 crores were lost due to the issue.The bench, in its order, observed that it was not necessary to issue any guidelines or impose any cost in view of the statement made by the State. However, the bench directed that the State should promptly act against individuals or groups who prevent the release of films by threats of...

'No End To Hurt Sentiments In India; Where Are We Heading?' : Supreme Court On 'Thug Life' Film Row

Gursimran Kaur Bakshi

"Just because of an opinion, should a movie be stopped?," the Court asked.

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