A Bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud has granted interim relief to the presenters of Padmaavat. The legal body maintained that content creation should not be seen in isolation as it also comes under the aspect of Article 19 of the Constitution. The apex court pointed that art storytelling through the powerful medium of cinema is a public right.
According to media reports, Senior Advocates Harish Salve and Mukul Rohatgi who pleaded for the petitioners described stat wide ban as the infringement of basic right even after CBFC clearance. On the other hand, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, justified the move of state governments citing the law and order situation due to alleged provocative narrations.
Made with a whopping budget of 190 crores, Padmaavat is the most controversial through much anticipated period drama helmed by legendary director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Bankrolled by leading production house Viacom18 Motion Pictures in association with Bhansali Productions, the period drama is based on the fictional work of Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi. The film will hit the screens on January 25.