The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Karnataka government in response to the plea challenging the ban on Kamal Haasan’s action flick Thug Life in the state. The Mani Ratnam directorial had its global release on June 5 but screening was not allowed in the southern state due to a controversial comment the lead actor Haasan made on the Kannada language.
A bench of justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan issued notice on M Mahesh Reddy's plea challenging the ban, who claims the film had received the appropriate certification from Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) but Karnataka authorities prevented its theatrical release through oral instructions and police interference.
The plea was filed through advocate A Velan, which stated, "This reign of intimidation is a direct, flagrant violation of the Fundamental Rights to Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19(1)(a)) and to Practice any Profession (Article 19(1)(g)). More seriously, it is a calculated attack on the secular fabric and public order of the State."
The petition also cited a campaign of intimidation involving threats of arson and communal violence, allegedly targeting linguistic minority communities. "This constitutes a profound and flagrant failure of the law and order machinery in the state, signifying a dangerous weakening of the constitutional machinery's ability to function and protect its citizens," the plea further stated.
The plea also urged the court to declare the de facto bill unconstitutional, while also seeking the safe and secure release of the film in multiplexes that decide to screen Thug Life.
