Padmavati row: SC won't interfere in release of controversy-ridden film

Mumbai: In the on-going furore over the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial upcoming directorial ‘Padmavati,’ the Supreme Court has chosen to not interfere in relation to the film’s release.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra was informed that the film has not yet received the certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

"Our interference in this writ petition will tantamount to pre-judging, which we are not inclined to do," the bench, also comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, said

The response was in relation to a plea filed by advocate M L Sharma, who alleged that though the Censor Board has not given a certificate to the movie, the songs of the film have already been released.

Sharma had approached the court seeking a direction for removal of all scenes of alleged 'character assassination' of Queen Padmavati from the movie before its release

The CBFC had turned down the application of the makers of 'Padmavati' to expedite the certification process of the film.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum-opus, which has been mired in a slew of controversies over its storyline and concept, will be reviewed and certified as per set norms of following chronological order of all applications, said the Censor Board.

The new release date of 'Padmavati', which features Deepika Padukone in the titular role of Rani Padmavati, alongside Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji, is yet to be announced.

The film was initially slated to release on December 1.