Supreme Court Intervenes In ‘Thug Life’ Karnataka Ban, Issues Notice To Karnataka

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The Supreme Court has taken action regarding the alleged “extra-judicial ban” on the film ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka, a production from renowned filmmaker Mani Ratnam and superstar Kamal Haasan. A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan issued notices, seeking responses from Karnataka’s Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Home), and Director General of Police. The petition is scheduled for further hearing on Tuesday, June 17.

The controversy stems from comments made by Kamal Haasan during the film’s audio launch, where he asserted that “Kannada is born out of Tamil”. These remarks ignited significant backlash across Karnataka.

A writ petition filed by M. Mahesh Reddy from Bengaluru alleges that despite receiving certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Karnataka government has obstructed the theatrical release of ‘Thug Life’ through verbal directives and police intervention.

Advocate A. Velan, representing the petitioner, argued that these actions constitute an unconstitutional infringement on freedom of speech and expression, as protected by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

In the wake of the uproar over Haasan’s comments on the origins of the Kannada language, the film’s producer, Raaj Kamal Films International, had sought protection from the Karnataka High Court. The High Court, however, suggested that Kamal Haasan issue an apology, a suggestion the actor-politician has declined. Consequently, the release of ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka has been indefinitely postponed due to his refusal to issue an outright apology.

Let’s see how the Karnataka government will respond.

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