New Delhi, June 17 (UNI): The Supreme Court on Tuesday took strong exception to the unofficial blockade of the Tamil film 'Thug Life' in Karnataka, warning against allowing mob threats and vigilante actions to undermine constitutional rights and the rule of law.

A bench comprising Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Manmohan was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Mahesh Reddy, who sought directions to ensure the film’s release in Karnataka, where its screening has been obstructed by fringe groups following controversial remarks made by actor-producer Kamal Haasan.

Haasan had reportedly stated that Kannada originated from Tamil, which sparked backlash from pro-Kannada organisations.

Voicing concern at the outset of the hearing, Justice Bhuyan said, “We cannot allow the streets to be taken over by mobs and vigilantes. If someone has made a statement, respond with another statement, not with threats or violence. This is not how a democracy functions.”

The petitioner alleged that despite the film having received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), it has not been released in Karnataka due to fear of attacks on cinema halls. The state, he argued, has failed to act against those issuing open threats.

Justice Manmohan strongly reinforced this view, stating, “Once a film is certified by the CBFC, it must be allowed to release. The state cannot cite fear of arson to justify inaction. People are free to choose not to watch the film, but the right to screen it must be upheld.”

When the state's counsel mentioned that the producer had approached the Karnataka High Court and was in talks with the Film Chamber, the bench expressed dissatisfaction, especially with the High Court’s reported suggestion that Haasan should apologise for his comment.

“That is not the business of the High Court,” Justice Bhuyan remarked sharply. “This is a question of fundamental rights and freedom of speech, which this court is duty-bound to protect.”

The bench further observed that the producer’s individual decision not to screen the film cannot substitute the state’s legal obligation. Justice Manmohan added, “Is the rule of law subject to one person’s stand? Let there be debate, not intimidation.”

Referring to past precedents, Justice Bhuyan cited the Bombay High Court's ruling in the Me Nathuram Godse Boltoy case, which upheld freedom of expression despite a controversial content. “Even if someone is revered as the Father of the Nation, a differing view cannot be banned,” he noted, in the context of protecting speech that may be unpopular.

The court ordered that the pending petition before the Karnataka High Court regarding the film's release be transferred to the Supreme Court. The matter will be heard next on June 19.

Earlier, on June 13, the court had issued notice to the Karnataka government after being apprised that the state had “surrendered” to threats from extremist elements opposing the release. The petitioner also cited public threats from pro-Kannada groups, including a call by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike to burn theatres screening Kamal Haasan’s films.

The plea urges the Supreme Court to direct the state to provide police protection to cinemas and multiplexes willing to show the film, and to initiate criminal proceedings against those inciting violence. It also seeks to restrain the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and other bodies from enforcing or calling for any informal bans.

Despite the global release of 'Thug Life' on June 5, the film remains unreleased in Karnataka, effectively curtailed by what the petition describes as a “campaign of fear and silence.”

The producers maintain that they have been denied their fundamental rights under Article 19 of the Constitution.

UNI SNG PRS