SC rejects plea, rebukes those for pre-judging 'Padmavati'

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a petition seeking a stay on the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's movie 'Padmavati' abroad.

Dismissing the petition, the top court pulled up people holding high offices for making statements tantamount to "pre-judging" the movie, which has angered the Right-wing activist groups across the country.

"When the matter is pending for the Central Board of Film Certificate's (CBFC) consideration, how can persons holding public offices comment on whether the CBFC should issue (a) certificate or not? It'll prejudice the decision-making of CBFC," the bench led by the Chief justice of India stated.

This is the second petition on the same issue filed by advocate ML Sharma to be dismissed by the bench, which also comprised Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud.

"We are sure they (the leaders) will be guided by the basic premise under the rule of law and not venture outside," the bench added.

Sharma had filed a petition seeking a stay on the United Kingdom (UK) release of the movie, suggesting "grave damage will be done to social harmony, if the movie is allowed to be released outside India". He further sought directions from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register a case against Bhansali and others for various 'offences', including defamation and violation of the Cinematography Act.

Appearing for the filmmakers, senior advocate Harish Salve assured the Apex Court that the movie will not be screened before the CBFC clears and certifies it.

The movie, however, might not meet the original December 1 release date in the UK as well. The filmmakers have already pushed back the release of the movie as of now, following the controversy over the film's content.

Several states across the country have already banned the film and Right-wing activists have expressed an unprecedented outrage over the film. The movie sets were vandalised twice — in Jaipur and Kolhapur — and members of the Karni Sewa roughed up Bhansali during the Jaipur schedule of the film, earlier this year.