Notices sent to pro-Kannada activists after Supreme Court's Thug Life ruling

Bengaluru police have issued notices to several pro-Kannada activists, including Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) State President Praveen Shetty, restricting them from protesting against the release of Thug Life in Karnataka anywhere outside Freedom Park in the city.The police action follows a stern warning from the Supreme Court, which stated that no one can take the law into their own hands. Emphasising the importance of freedom of expression, the court directed authorities to ensure that the film's release proceeds smoothly without any interference.advertisementActivists opposing the film had earlier urged self-respecting Kannadigas to stay away from it, citing concerns over alleged disrespect to Kannada sentiments. Anticipating attempts to lay siege to theatres or disrupt screenings, police have begun enforcing preventive measures across the city to maintain law and order.
Hearing the case on ban of release of Kamal Hassan starrer Tamil film Thug Life in Karnataka, Supreme Court said the rule of law cannot be held hostage to mob threats and warned that 'groups of hooligans' cannot be allowed to decide what gets screened in theatres.'If someone has made a statement, you counter it with another statement. You cannot threaten to burn down theatres,' the bench remarked.The Supreme Court transferred the plea filed by the film's producer from the Karnataka High Court to itself and asked the state government to file its reply. It questioned the role of the High Court, especially over suggestions that the actor apologise to resolve the issue.advertisement
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