‘Padmaavat’: SC order stays, release on Jan 25

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 23

The Supreme Court today refused to modify its earlier order which had paved the way for nationwide release of “Padmaavat” on January 25, saying its order had to be complied with.

A three-judge Bench headed by CJI Dipak Misra dismissed the petitions filed by the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh Governments that cited possible violence by groups opposed to the Deepika Padukone-starrer controversial film as a ground for modification of its earlier order.

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“People must understand that the Supreme Court has passed an order. They must abide by it. It is the obligation of the states to maintain law and order,” it said, refusing to modify its January 18 order, staying orders issued by various states banning the film’s screening.

Asking states to implement its January 18 order, the court said it would examine pleas against the film’s screening on a case-to-case basis, if the situation so warranted. Noting that maintenance of law and order was the duty of states, the Bench asked states to provide the security needed for its peaceful screening.

Gujarat theatre owners against screening

Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patel on Tuesday said most theatre owners had decided not to screen controversial Bollywood film ‘Padmaavat’ as he stressed that the government was trying its best to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, the Surat Police Commissioner said though they had assured protection to cinema owners, they had informed us that none of them would screen the film on January 25. PTI

Maha sets up Special Task Force 

The Mumbai Police have set up a Special Task Force comprising armed police personnel to protect theatres screening ‘Padmaavat’, sources said. Film producers had approached the Maharashtra Government for protection after the Karni Sena refused to relent in its opposition to the film release. TNS

Jharkhand women write to Prez 

The Antarashtriya Kshtriya Veeraangna Foundation (AKVF) on Tuesday sought President Ram Nath Kovind’s intervention in connection with “Padmaavat” release. Women members of the Rajput community sent a letter to the President through local BJP MP Bidyut Baran Mahato.  PTI