Dismissing another plea filed by lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma, this time seeking an order to restrain the producers of the movie Padmavati from releasing it abroad, a Supreme Court bench led by Justice Dipak Misra said that people holding public offices should not issue statements regarding it before it receives CBFC certification. These statements, it says, can influence the CBFC’s decision.
It also ordered the Centre to ensure that such statements are not issued by people in power, adding that the final call taken on the movie will be that of the CFBC.
When the matter is pending the consideration of the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification), how can persons holding public offices comment on whether CBFC should issue certificate or not? That will prejudice the decision of the CBFC?Supreme Court, as reported by NDTV
The Supreme Court also added that these statements made by people occupying public offices, including many made by chief ministers of several states, are unwarranted, could create disharmony among different groups and is against principles of law.
Additionally, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has assured the Supreme Court that he will not release Padmavati in any other country till the film is certified by the CBFC. In doing so, he has cleared all rumours regarding the film’s alleged overseas release on 1 December.
ML Sharma had also sought a direction to the CBI to register a case against Bhansali and others for various offences, some of which allegedly included defamation and violation of the Cinematography Act, a PTI report stated.
The bench which also comprised Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud termed Sharma’s plea as "misconceived", but did not impose cost on the lawyer, considering he has been a practising lawyer of the apex court, the report added.
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