SC Pulls Up Karnataka Govt Over Thug Life Ban: 'Can’t Let Mobs Rule The Streets'

In a strong rebuke to the Karnataka government, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the state to facilitate the release of 'Thug Life', the latest film starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam.

The court also granted the Karnataka government a day to respond regarding the status of the film’s release in the state.

Source : IMDb

In a strong rebuke to the Karnataka government, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the state to facilitate the release of 'Thug Life', the latest film starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam. The court stated that law and order cannot be dictated by mob sentiments and warned against what it described as an "extra-judicial ban" on the movie.

A bench comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mahesh Reddy, who sought the court’s intervention after 'Thug Life' failed to release in Karnataka. The delay followed threats from certain groups angered by Kamal Haasan’s recent remarks claiming that “Kannada was born out of Tamil.”

Court slams ban on Thug Life

Taking a firm stance, the apex court reminded the state of its obligation to uphold freedom of expression, especially in cases where a film has already received a certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). "If a film is cleared by the CBFC, the rule of law mandates its release. It is the state's duty to ensure its screening," the bench stated.

The court also granted the Karnataka government a day to respond regarding the status of the film’s release in the state.

Reacting to the controversy over Haasan's comments, the bench observed, "If Kamal Haasan has said anything inconvenient, it cannot be taken as a gospel truth, and the enlightened people of Karnataka should have debated and said he was wrong."

The Supreme Court also expressed its disapproval of the Karnataka High Court’s earlier remarks, in which it had suggested that an apology from Haasan might have averted the controversy. Taking issue with that position, the bench said the high court "has no business seeking an apology."

Thug Life controversy

The row, which erupted after Haasan’s statement during a promotional event in Chennai, led the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to withhold the release of 'Thug Life' across the state, demanding an apology from the actor-filmmaker. The film, however, hit theatres in the rest of India on June 5.

The matter pending before the Karnataka High Court has now been transferred to the Supreme Court, which will take it up again on Thursday.

'Thug Life' marks a major cinematic reunion for Haasan and Ratnam, nearly four decades after their iconic collaboration on 'Nayakan' in 1987.