Madras High Court Dismisses Plea Against Karuppu
He claimed that the film had damaged the image of the judiciary, the Constitution, courts, judges, and advocates.
The Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking a ban or regulation of the recently released Tamil film Karuppu (Veerabhadrudu), starring Suriya and Trisha Krishnan, and directed by RJ Balaji, over allegations that it portrayed the Indian judiciary negatively.
During the hearing before the vacation bench comprising Justices GR Swaminathan and V Lakshminarayanan, the judges orally observed that India is a free country where individuals have the right to express their views. The bench also remarked that issues such as unethical practices among lawyers and corruption involving judges call for introspection, before dismissing the plea.
The petition was filed by advocate RS Tamilvendan from Kodambakkam, who argued that India’s judicial system is an independent and integrated institution. He claimed that the film had damaged the image of the judiciary, the Constitution, courts, judges, and advocates.
The petitioner specifically objected to a scene showing a judge allegedly involved in bribery and drug use, contending that such portrayals tarnish the reputation of the judiciary and could erode public confidence in the system.
Tamilvendan further stated that he had already submitted representations to the Home Department, Information and Public Relations Department, and the CBFC chief executive, but alleged that no action was taken, leading him to approach the High Court.