As per reports, the state governments of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have moved the Supreme Court on Monday i.e. Jan 22, 2018 seeking modification of the Supreme Court order allowing pan-India release of the film ‘Padmaavat’ which is scheduled for release on Jan 25.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud agreed to hear the plea by the two BJP-ruled states on Tuesday.
In their submission to the Supreme Court, the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments contended that they were empowered under the Cinematograph Act to stop exhibition of a movie on grounds of law and order and that the executive power under the law to stop the screening of the movie, if the situation warrants, should not be curbed. Senior counsel Harish Salve, appearing for Viacom 18, opposed urgent hearing on any such interim applications.
Rajput groups across the country have been demanding a ban on the film, holding rallies and forcing wary state governments to ponder over security measures ahead of the movie’s release on January 25.
