New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on Tuesday petitions filed by the States of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh seeking review of the order revoking ban and allowing the release of Hindi film Padmaavat on January 25
A three-judge bench comprising the Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud directed listing of the petitions on a mention made by counsel for urgent hearing.
Opposing the order allowing screening of the movie in theatres across the country, the two states claimed that section 6 of the Cinematograph Act empowers them to stop exhibition of any controversial movie on the grounds of possible violation of law and order. It was pointed out that the Central Board of Film Certification while granting the certificate did not go into the aspect of law and order as the board was not concerned about it. They said allowing the exhibition of the film would result in serious consequences in the two States and there would be loss of lives and property.
Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Viacom 18 the producers of the Deepika Padukone-starrer, opposed urgent hearing on any such interim applications. The court, however, agreed to hear the applications on Tuesday.
