Follow TNM’s WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.
The Supreme Court on Monday, June 9, refused an urgent hearing of a petition filed by the Karnataka Theatres Association seeking protection from threats issued by fringe groups opposing the screening of the Tamil film Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan.
The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, alleged that certain groups had openly threatened to burn down theatres in Karnataka that plan to screen the movie. During an oral mention before a Vacation Bench headed by Justice PK Mishra, the petitioners said that even the production house had been forced to seek legal protection due to mounting threats.
Justice Mishra, however, dismissed the urgency of the plea, remarking, “If you are afraid the theatres might be set on fire, keep fire extinguishers ready.” He advised the petitioners to approach the High Court instead, saying the matter did not warrant intervention by the apex court. “Why file an Article 32 petition here? Go to the High Court,” he added.
The petition filed in the Supreme Court challenged the Karnataka government’s failure to uphold law and order, accusing it of allowing an "unconstitutional extrajudicial ban" fuelled by threats of arson and communal violence. It cited specific threats by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) leader TA Narayana Gowda and social media incitement reminiscent of past unrest.
Actor Kamal Haasan triggered a language controversy during the audio launch of Thug Life in Chennai by suggesting that “Kannada was born out of Tamil.” The comments triggered protests by pro-Kannada organisations and KFCC, who threatened to boycott Thug Life unless the actor apologised.
During a Karnataka High Court hearing last week on a plea seeking protection for theatres, Kamal Haasan announced that the film would not be released in the state “for now.”
The producers had moved the High Court after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce imposed a de facto ban on the film’s release, yielding to pressure from pro-Kannada groups demanding its withdrawal.
