Supreme Court rules in favour of Padmaavat; asks for stay over the films ban

18 Jan 2018

The much in the news period action drama Padmaavat has been facing troubles since a long time. The film faced protests from certain organizations on the grounds that it distorts Rajput history. The makers gave a lot of clarifications and yet, the protests continued. They had to postpone the film from December 1 to January 25 and yet, the protests continued. Fearing law and order problems, the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan banned the film. This would have led to losses for the producers who immediately moved the Supreme Court. The Supreme Courts ruling is out and thankfully, it has gone in the favour of Padmaavat.It has put a stay on the notification issued by the four states over banning Padmaavat.Senior advocate Harish Salve fought the case on behalf of Padmaavat makers and he made it clear that banning a film is akin to destroying federal structure and hence a very serious matter. He requested the Central government to pass a direction to the states for a better and an effective step and solution. The Supreme Court took note of Harish Salves remarks and stated that creative freedom, freedom of speech and expression cant be cant be curbed, further adding that artistic freedom has to be protected. The Supreme Court bench that heard this plea was comprised of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud. The bench told the states that they are constitutionally obliged to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident during the screening of the film across India. That the film had secured a certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) also worked in the favour of the film. Padmaavat stars Ranveer Singh Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor.It is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and releases on January 25.