SC SAYS NO TO PIL AGAINST PADMAAVAT
MAINTAINING LAW & ORDER STATE’S JOB, SAYS TOP COURT
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court refused to entertain on Friday a fresh petition to quash the CBFC certificate granted to the movie Padmaavat, a day after it pulled up four states for banning the film’s release despite clearance from the Censor Board.
Petitioner ML Sharma said the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate was not as per law and should be set aside. However, the bench told him it could not entertain his plea because of its day-old order. “We have given a detailed hearing and did not accept states’ opposition to its release. How can we accept your contention today?” Chief Justice Dipak Misra’s bench told Sharma, who urged the court to list his plea for an early hearing.
Sharma said the release of the movie could result in murders and arson. “Who will be responsible for the murder and burnt cinema halls?” he asked, requesting the bench to list his case before the release date — January 25.
“We are not here to maintain law and order. That is not our responsibility. Your plea is rejected,” the bench retorted.
Sharma argued that under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the board was empowered to withhold certification for a movie if it would affect law and order in any part of the country.
The movie is based on the historic 13th century battle between Maharaja Ratan Singh and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi. Originally titled Padmavati, its name was changed to Padmaavat as suggested by the CBFC. The board recently cleared the film for release with U/A certificate. The movie has been facing violent protests from Shri Rajput Karni Sena, a fringe group, that accuses the makers of insulting Rajputs and the community’s honour.