Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Seeking Ban On Movie "Thank God"

A bench of Justices SK Kaul and AS Oka dismissed the petition on account of being withdrawn as a result of becoming infructuous. The Counsel representing the Petitioner also submitted that the petition had become infructuous because the movie had already been released.

It is to be pointed out that during the earlier hearing, the counsel for the petitioner had sought urgent listing of the petition before the movie was released. However, the court had refused to list the matter, remarking that it was not urgent and could be listed later.

The petition filed by Shri Chitragupta Welfare Trust had sought directions that the trailers and posters of the said movie should be removed from Youtube and other electronic platforms. The petitioner had further sought a direction to stop the release of the said movie in theatres or on the OTT platforms.

The petition filed through Advocate Lokesh Kumar Choudhary alleged that the release of the movie would be in utter violation of Articles 14 and 25 of the Constitution of India along with Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act.

It was stated that, "The present Petition arises out of and against derogatory expressions, acts, statements, dialogues and insulting images, videos in and around the character of God Chitragupta played by Bollywood Actor, Ajay Devgan/Respondent No. 4 which is evident from the release of the trailer of the Bollywood movie 'Thank God'."

It was further added that the trailer of the movie and the various posters of the movie are spreading wrong, insulting and derogatory messages against God Chitragupta among the people across the country and in the world as well.

The petition had further stated that "The release of the said movie would result in causing chaos and disturbance of peace and harmony in the country upon agitation/procession by the Kayasth Community across the country".

Case Title: Shri Chitragupta Welfare Trust vs Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and Ors. – WP(C) No. 877/2022