New Delhi: The Supreme Court in its interim order on Thursday issued a green signal on the controversial Hindi film, "Padmavat", and directed to release it in all the states, including those states where the film has been banned.The apex court three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra and also comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, in its interim order on Thursday, also stayed the notification issued by the four states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana.The film was banned in these four states -- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana -- keeping in view the situation that its release could lead to a law and order problem.
The apex court, in its interim order, said, all states are constitutionally obliged to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident during the screening of the film across India, a permission granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).Senior Supreme Court lawyer, Harish Salve, and former Attorney-General, Mukul Rohatgi, both appeared for Viacom.Salve told the apex court three-judge bench if states were banning a film, then it is destroying the federal structure. It is a very serious matter. If somebody has a problem, then he or she can approach the appellate tribunal for relief. "State cannot touch the content of a film."(UNI)
