SC lifts ban on SLB's Padmaavat; Invokes freedom of speech

New Delhi: Taking into consideration the right to freedom of speech and expression, the Supreme Court of India has lifted the ban and cleared the nationwide release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat.

The court also asks the state governments to stay abide to their constitutional obligation to put out threats of violence and let the movie release without any unwanted activity on January 25.

It is to be mentioned that Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh had refused to show the film in theatres. The movie, however, has got the clearance of the Prasoon Joshi-headed Central Board of Film Certification with certain changes in it.

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Referring to its earlier judgement, the court said that it was incumbent upon the state governments to ensure the maintenance of law and order.

The court order came on the plea by the producers of the film — Bhansali Productions and Viacom18 Motion Pictures — challenging the ban on the screening of the film by the Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana governments.