By: Ashok Kumar Shukla ( Sr. Associate Editor-ICN Group )
The Court was of the view that the petition is premature as the prayer sought is the exact responsibility of the Censor Board under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea seeking a stay on the release of Bollywood movie ‘Padmavati’, saying the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) considers all aspects before granting certificate to any film.
A Bench, comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud, said there were enough guidelines to be followed by the censor board to grant certification to a film before its release.
The bench was hearing a plea filed by Siddharajsinh Mahavirsinh Chudasama.The PIL filed by 12 Rajput leaders had sought appointment of an expert committee consisting of historians and members of the Rajput community to screen the film.
The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed period drama, which also stars Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles is due to be released on December 1.
‘Padmavati’ is an epic period drama directed by Bhansali, starring Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, and based on the legend of Rani Padmavati, a Hindu Rajput queen.
It was alleged that there was an apprehension that there were intimate scenes in the film, involving Allauddin Khilji (played by Ranveer Singh) and Rani Padmavati (Deepika Padukone). There was also an objection raised as to a dance sequence in which the Queen is said to participate.
In Lucknow, a division bench of the Allahabad High Court asked a petitioner, seeking a ban on the movie “Padmavati” on the ground that it allegedly propagates the practice of ‘Sati’, to approach the Censor Board with his plea.
