The Supreme Court on Tuesday, 23 January, refused to modify its earlier order on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat, effectively rejecting the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments’ plea to ban the film.
Appearing for the state of Rajasthan, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta argued, “I am not saying allow me to ban the film, I had moved the apex court for certain modification of the court's earlier interim order.”
The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, in response observed that “people must understand that there is a statutory body, and also we (the court) have passed an order.” It added that the governments must ensure law and order prevailed in their respective states.
The Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments had filed a review petition in the apex court against its order allowing the release of the film.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had earlier said that the state government would approach the Supreme Court to stop the release of the controversial film. Speaking to reporters after a programme, Chouhan had said, "We would once again knock on the apex court's doors."
He didn't elaborate further.
Rajasthan's Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria also said the state government has decided to file a review petition in the top court. Kataria also asked the Karni Sena, a group protesting against the film, to be a party to the petition.
Rajput outfits, especially the Karni Sena, have accused Bhansali of presenting distorted facts about Rani Padmavati in the film. The Karni Sena also claimed that Bhansali had sent a letter inviting them to watch the film.
(We Indians have much to talk about these days. But what would you tell India if you had the chance? Pick up the phone and write or record your Letter To India. Don’t be silent, tell her how you feel. Mail us your letter at lettertoindia@thequint.com. We’ll make sure India gets your message).
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)