'Can't Allow Mobs to Take Over the Streets': SC Says State Must Ensure Thug Life Release

New Delhi: While hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to allow the screening of the Tamil feature film Thug Life, the Supreme Court on Tuesday (June 17) said that mobs cannot be allowed to take over the streets and rule of law must prevail.

The apex court expressed concerns over the "extra-judicial ban" on the screening of the movie starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam, in Karnataka.

"We can't allow mobs and vigilante groups to take over the streets. The rule of law must prevail. We can't allow this to happen. If somebody has made a statement, counter it with a statement. Somebody has made some writing, counter it with some writing. This is proxy..." Justice Ujjal Bhuyan orally told the counsel representing the State of Karnataka, reported LiveLaw.

The bench comprising Justice Bhuyan and Justice Manmohan asked the State to file its counter and said that the matter will be heard on Thursday (June 19).

"Rule of law demands that any film which has a CBFC certificate must be released and the State has to ensure its screening. It can't be that at the fear of burning down the cinemas, that the film can't be shown. People may not watch the film. That is a different matter. We are not passing any order that people must watch the film. But the film must be released," said Justice Manmohan.

"Rule of law is important. State has to ensure that anyone who wants to show a film, that film must be released after it has got a CBFC certificate," Justice Manmohan added.

During the previous hearing date, the counsel for the petitioner, AoR A Velan had submitted that the state of Karnataka has "capitulated" to extremist elements who were attacking linguistic minorities and calling for the burning of theatres.

"It is argued that a duly CBFC-certified Tamil feature film "Thug Life" is not allowed to be screened in the theatres in the State of Karnataka. The so-called ban under threat of violence stems not from any lawful process but from a deliberate campaign of terror, including explicit threat of arson against cinema halls, incitement of large-scale violence targeting linguistic minorities. Considering the urgency shown and the issue brought before this court, we issue notice to the respondent," the bench observed in the order.

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