SC closes plea on ‘Thug Life' ban; says films with CBFC OK cannot be stopped by mobs
New Delhi, June 19 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Thursday closed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the unofficial ban on the Tamil film 'Thug Life' in Karnataka, after the state government assured the court that no official ban had been imposed and that full protection would be provided for the film's release if the producers chose to screen it.
A bench comprising justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan recorded the Karnataka government's affidavit stating that it would ensure law and order during the film's screening and found no need to pass further directions or impose costs.
However, the court strongly criticised the increasing trend of artistic expression being suppressed by protest groups.
"Just because someone is offended, should a movie, a stand-up act, or a poem be stopped?" the bench asked during the hearing, expressing concern over rising instances of mob threats stalling lawful artistic work.
The PIL was filed by Mahesh Reddy, who sought directions for the release of 'Thug Life' in Karnataka. The film, featuring and co-produced by Kamal Haasan, was withheld from release in the state after backlash over his alleged comment that Kannada originated from Tamil. Protest threats were reportedly issued by various groups, prompting the producers to delay the release.
The court reminded the state that a film certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cannot be prevented from release due to mob pressure. It added that such disruptions undermine the rule of law.
While the state agreed to provide protection, the petitioner's counsel argued that no action had been taken against individuals or groups who issued threats.
The state countered that there was no official ban, and hence, judgments related to state-imposed bans did not apply.
Justice Bhuyan questioned the state's silence on threats: 'What action are you taking against those who issued threats?' The state replied that it was duty-bound to act and would do so.
The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which was also made a party, denied issuing threats and said it had only written to the producers highlighting the public protests and suggesting an apology.
Justice Bhuyan sharply criticised the KFCC for not reporting mob entry into their premises. 'You succumbed to mob pressure. You are hiding behind them,' he observed.
Senior advocate Sanjay Nuli, appearing for Kannada Sahitya Parishad, argued that language is an emotional issue and that an apology by the actor would help ease tensions.
The court, however, firmly rejected the idea that artistic work must be subjected to such conditions. 'If someone is hurt, file a defamation case. You can't take the law into your hands,' Justice Manmohan said.
Raj Kamal Films' counsel Satish Parasaran pointed out that a state minister had also made inflammatory statements and said the production company had suffered financial losses of around Rs 30 crore due to the delay.
In its order, the court stated it was unnecessary to frame new guidelines or impose penalties in light of the State's assurance.
However, it directed the Karnataka government to take swift legal action, both civil and criminal, against anyone attempting to block a certified film's release through threats or violence.
'The rule of law demands that any CBFC-cleared film must be released, and the state must ensure this,' the court said. It also transferred a related petition pending before the Karnataka High Court to itself for better coordination of legal proceedings.
Though the petitioner's counsel urged the court to direct the state to act against those who had issued threats, the bench declined, noting that those individuals were not party to the current proceedings and that it could not pass orders based on media reports alone.
The court also disapproved of the Karnataka High Court's earlier suggestion that Kamal Haasan should apologise. 'It is none of the business of the High Court to demand an apology. This is a matter of fundamental rights,' Justice Bhuyan said. 'The Supreme Court's role is to protect those rights and uphold the rule of law.'
The film 'Thug Life' was released globally on June 5, 2025, except in Karnataka. The PIL had requested police protection for theatres screening the film and sought action against those issuing threats.
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