The petitioner claimed that threats of violence against movie theaters had resulted in a de facto ban on the movie.
The Karnataka government was asked to respond by the Supreme Court on Friday to a plea that demanded police protection for the state's release of the Kamal Haasan film Thug Life.
The claim that the certified film was not permitted to be screened in Karnataka and that a de facto ban was in effect because of threats of violence against venues displaying the film was noted by the bench of Justices PK Mishra and Manmohan.
The Court issued an order that read, "Considering the urgency shown, we issue notice to the respondent,"
M Mahesh Reddy, a resident of Bengaluru, filed the case, claiming that even though the movie was certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), it was essentially outlawed in Karnataka because of threats from fringe groups and the state government's inaction.
"The State has given up entirely. They have allied themselves with extremist groups. Women and children were still inside one of the theaters when it was taken! There was no FIR filed. Advocate A Velan, speaking on behalf of Reddy, contended today that the theater management was fleeing for their lives.
The recent remark by Haasan that "Kannada was born out of Tamil" sparked criticism and calls to boycott his movie.
Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) President TA Narayana Gowda allegedly threatened to "set theaters on fire" if any Haasan film was released in the state after Victory Cinema announced its intention to screen the movie in Bengaluru, according to the appeal before the top court.
According to the appeal, a social media post at the same time specifically called for a recurrence of the anti-Tamil riots of 1991 and threatened violence following the film's June 5 release date.
The Court was informed that although the tweet and the claimed threats caused a great deal of public outrage, no complaints were filed.
The plea further claims that when KRV members tried to take over Victory Cinema on June 1, the threats intensified. Under purported pressure, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) later declared a "ban" on the movie.
The petitioner claims that even though the movie's producer had asked the Karnataka High Court for police protection, the main topic of discussion during the proceedings was whether Haasan ought to issue an apology for his previous remarks.
This was denounced as capitulation by the petitioner, who claimed that it made the High Court's approach to protecting basic rights useless. Hassan stated that he was in discussions with the KFCC about the matter and declined to express regret for his remarks at the High Court.
This website is all about sharing knowledge and updating everything about Law.
