The Supreme Court on Tuesday took strong exception to threats made against the release of actor Kamal Haasan’s Tamil film Thug Life in Karnataka, warning that mob pressure and intimidation cannot dictate what the public is allowed to watch.
Hearing a plea filed by the film’s producer, the top court issued a notice and transferred the case from the Karnataka High Court to itself, asking the state government to file a reply. The court emphasised that once a film is cleared by the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification), it cannot be obstructed by threats or violence.
“If someone has made a statement, you counter it with another statement. You cannot threaten to burn down theatres,” the bench remarked sharply.
“We Are Custodians of the Rule of Law”: Supreme Court Stands Firm
The bench addressed the backlash against alleged controversial remarks made by Kamal Haasan, noting that disagreeing with a public figure’s statements must remain within the bounds of law.
“If enlightened people of Karnataka and Bengaluru believe his statement was wrong, they can issue a statement saying so. Why threaten to burn down cinemas?” the court observed, reiterating that fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, must be protected.
The court also raised questions about the Karnataka High Court’s earlier suggestion that the actor apologise, stating, “There is something wrong with the system when one person makes a statement and everyone gets involved. Why should the High Court say ‘express an apology’? That is not its role.”
In its remarks, the court cited previous judgments—including the Bombay High Court verdict on the Mi Nathuram Boltoy play and the Imran Pratapgarhi ruling—to underscore that freedom of artistic expression and differing views must be respected in a democracy.
“We are the custodians of the rule of law. That is what the Supreme Court is for,” the bench concluded.
