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NDTV
13 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Supreme Court To Hear Plea Seeking 27% OBC Quota Implementation In Madhya Pradesh
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to urgently list a petition seeking implementation of 27% reservation quota for Other Backward Classes or OBC communities in Madhya Pradesh. A partial working day bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan agreed to hear next week the plea mentioned in court today. The petition moved by members of the OBC community in the state seeks implementation of a law passed by the legislative assembly of Madhya Pradesh in 2019, which increased the OBC quota from 14% to 27%. The plea states the state government has been denying benefit of increased quota for the OBCs based on the stay given to an MBBS student for a postgraduate medical entrance test by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Earlier, the Congress had accused the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government of deliberately not implementing the law (which increased OBC quota from 14 to 27%) passed by the Congress government in 2019, citing "legal hurdle". An ordinance was brought by the erstwhile Congress government on March 8, 2019, seeking to increase the OBC quota in jobs and admissions in educational institutions to 27 per cent from 14 per cent. However, the same was challenged by the MBBS student. The Madhya Pradesh High Court stayed the implementation of the ordinance for the entrance test of the postgraduate medical exam. However, in July 2019, the state assembly passed legislation to replace the ordinance. The petition moved by members of OBC community in the state, claims that despite Madhya Pradesh having 50% OBC population, the reservation quota remains only 14%. The plea further says that Madhya Pradesh government arbitrarily failed to implement the Act to extend the benefit of the said amendment in nearly all recruitment processes. What Happened Before 2019 Before 2019, Madhya Pradesh had reservation of 14 per cent for the OBC, 20 per cent for ST, and 16 per cent for SC, totalling 50 per cent. The enhanced OBC quota has raised total reservation to 63 per cent, breaching the 50 per cent quota ceiling. On March 19, 2019, the High Court stayed the increased 13 per cent more OBC reservation, which led to the suspension of many recruitment processes. Later, a formula which included 87 per cent existing reservations plus 13 per cent reserved was introduced to continue exams while holding the disputed 13 per cent seats separately until a final verdict. In 2024, all pending petitions regarding OBC reservation hike (around 70 in total) were transferred from the High Court to the Supreme Court. Till the final decision is made, recruitments are continuing based on the 87:13 formula. This law was neither challenged in any court nor was any stay granted by the court on its implementation, the plea argues. "It is respectfully submitted that the said legislation has neither been struck down nor declared unconstitutional by any court of law. In fact, no interim order has been passed by this court or High Court of Madhya Pradesh for restraining the enforcement of the law," states the petition. The plea further states that the enforcement of the law is restrained only on the basis of legal opinion of the office of Advocate General of Madhya Pradesh by the executive and pending litigation before court. However, the plea argues that there is a presumption of constitutionality in laws passed by the state assembly, and such laws must be implemented even if they are facing challenges in court.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
SC orders K'taka to take action against disrupters of 'Thug Life' release
A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan recorded the state government's assurance that it would provide adequate security to the theaters if the movie was screened in the state Press Trust of India New Delhi The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Karnataka government to take action against those obstructing the screening of Kamal Haasan starrer "Thug Life" in the state. A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan recorded the state government's assurance that it would provide adequate security to the theaters if the movie was screened in the state. The bench said it did not want a situation to crop up in which someone's sentiment was hurt by utterances and the movie was stalled from releasing, or a standup show was cancelled or an artist was stopped from reciting a poem. As a result, the bench asked the state government to contain any "divisive element" posing as a threat to the film's release. The top court closed the PIL after the state government's assurance, observing no guidelines or directions were required to be given. On June 17, the top court came down heavily on the Karnataka government after the actor's movie was not screened in theatres in the state, and observed that mob and vigilantes cannot be allowed to take over streets. The top court was hearing a plea of one M Mahesh Reddy, who challenged the film's non screening in Karnataka. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
United News of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- United News of India
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.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Karnataka assures security for 'Thug Life' release; producer told not to proceed till KFCC issue settled
'Thug Life' NEW DELHI: Reminded on Tuesday of its duty to uphold rule of law and protect citizen's right to free speech, Karnataka govt on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that if the film 'Thug Life' is released in the state theatres it will take every step to maintain law and order and provide security to those associated with screening and viewers. In an affidavit filed on the eve of the Thursday hearing before a bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan, the state govt through counsel D L Chidanand assured that 'in the event the producers of the film decide to release the movie in Karnataka, the state govt is duty bound and will give protection and security for such release and for the people connected therewith, including the cast, director, producers, the exhibitors, and the audience. ' It said the state has not imposed any restriction on the release of the movie 'Thug Life', which has been duly certified by the Central Board of Film Certification. However, it said during the June 3 hearing before Karnataka HC, the film producer Rajkamal Films International had given an undertaking to the HC that it 'will not release the movie in Karnataka till they resolve the issue with Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC).' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo SC on Tuesday transferred the producer's petition from the HC to itself. KFCC, the apex body of Karnataka film industry, had written a letter to Hasan on May 30 expressing its displeasure at certain statements made by him at a promotional event and had sought his apology. The HC during the hearing had repeatedly asked why Hasan was so reluctant to apologize or express regret when public sentiment is hurt. In contrast, the SC bench of Justices Bhuyan and Manmohan on Tuesday had observed that 'The HC had no business to seek regret or apology. As a custodian of rule of law and protector of rights, it should have considered the issue of whether a CBFC cleared film be allowed to be released in theatres of the state… Public sentiment does not mean a gun is put to the head of the theatre owners to stop screening of the film.' On the threat of violence issued by a vigilante group, the bench had said, 'The Rule of Law demands that the film be released in the theatres of Karnataka. As democratic state, Karnataka cannot allow mobs to jeopardise the rule of law. The state must ensure that the rule of law prevails' In its affidavit, the Siddaramaiah govt told the SC that it is 'the duty and responsibility of the state govt to uphold the fundamental rights of its citizens and in maintaining the 'Rule of Law' in the state, and the state govt and its instrumentalities are committed in discharging such duties and protecting the fundamental rights of its citizens, including the fundamental rights of the stakeholders involved in the present issue. '
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
‘Provide full security': SC directs Bihar, Delhi senior cops to ensure safety of minor girl seeking annulment of marriage
The Supreme Court Wednesday asked the Bihar director general of police and Delhi Police commissioner to provide security to a girl who was allegedly forced into a marriage with a contractor, and is now seeking its annulment after escaping from her in-laws' house. A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan also directed the senior police officers to ensure that no harm is caused to her or her friend who held her escape. The court also sought a status report from the police on the next date of hearing on July 15. In her plea, the girl claimed to have been forcibly married to Bihar-based contractor Jai Shankar on December 9, 2024, when she was 16 and a half years old, towards the repayment of the debts owed by her parents. Alleging physical abuse by the 33-year-old man, she also sought the annulment of her marriage with him under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. 'Her husband, who is a civil contractor, claimed that the petitioner's parents were indebted to them and she would have to continue in the marriage rather than go for further studies to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher or a lawyer,' her plea said. The girl also claimed that she was on the run with a friend, and feared for their lives if they returned to Bihar. She said she was sent away immediately after the wedding ceremony, even though her Class 10 board examinations were due to start. She said she had been assured that she would return to her parents after two days, but was not allowed to do so 'by her in-laws who claimed to have given and spent a lot of money for the marriage and repeatedly told her that they wanted a baby'. 'The petitioner is a hapless victim of child marriage who stands forlorn with no help from family and society in her fight to walk out of the abusive child marriage and hence pleads for invocation of the parens patriae jurisdiction of this court in the best interest of the petitioner,' the plea added. In the order, the Supreme Court pointed out that the writ petition was filed by 'a minor through her next of kin under Article 32 of the Constitution of India'. 'Petitioner has alleged that she has been forcibly married off to Respondent No. 4 (contractor) despite the fact that she is a minor. She has not got the parental support required at this stage. On the other hand, Respondent No. 4 and his family members are now pursuing the petitioner and her next of kin. It is in these circumstances that the petitioner has approached this court seeking the following reliefs… Issue notice. We direct the Director General of Police, Bihar, as well as the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, to provide full security to the petitioner to ensure that no harm is caused to the petitioner and her next friend.' The top court also directed that necessary instructions be issued 'to the police authorities to be in touch with the petitioner and her next friend'. 'In case of any emergency, necessary assistance can be provided. Respondents Nos. 1 and 2 submit a separate status report in a sealed cover to the Court by the next date.'
