Supreme Court Grants Release of ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’ After Religious Festival
In a significant decision, the Supreme Court of India has allowed the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath to be released nationwide on or after July 28. This ruling comes after the conclusion of the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, a key religious festival in Odisha. The decision was delivered in the case of Ele Animations Pvt Ltd v. Mahesh Kumar Sahu, where the film’s producers challenged an interim order from the Orissa High Court that had stalled the movie’s release, originally slated for July 17.
The Orissa High Court had earlier issued a restraint on the film’s release, citing concerns that it might offend religious sentiments and disrupt public order during the Rath Yatra. The producers appealed this decision, seeking relief from the Supreme Court.
Judicial Observations and Court’s Decision
The bench, composed of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan, acknowledged the cultural sensitivity surrounding the Rath Yatra, which ends on July 27. Consequently, they permitted the film to be screened starting July 28. Justice Nagarathna noted, “We permit the film to be exhibited on or after 28th July.” The Supreme Court further acknowledged that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had approved the film after ensuring compliance with legal standards.
The filmmakers pointed out that a related television series had already been aired on YouTube, which the Court took into consideration. The controversy originated when the film’s teaser drew objections from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and others regarding certain portrayals.
Background of the Dispute
Initially, the film producers had shown the movie to the Temple Administration and the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, who requested modifications to certain scenes. Despite these requests, the producers had planned a July 17 release without incorporating all suggested changes. This led to a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Orissa High Court, seeking to revoke the film’s CBFC certification and prevent its release.
More Read
The Orissa High Court, while granting interim relief, stressed the need to balance freedom of speech with the restrictions outlined in Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution. It decided that releasing the film during the Rath Yatra could be inappropriate, thereby halting the July 17 release.
Arguments and Court’s Consideration
During the Supreme Court hearing, Justice Nagarathna questioned the validity of the objections, asking, “We want to know how, by an animation film, how the devotion of the writ petitioners comes down? It will not come down.” Senior Advocate Devdatt Kamat, representing the filmmakers, argued that postponing the release would result in significant financial losses, as bookings had already been arranged in nearly 300 theatres.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, on behalf of the State of Odisha, conveyed that the film contained certain scenes deemed objectionable by traditional authorities. He noted, “There was a request because of the sensitivity involved. The traditional heads found certain parts to be objectionable, particularly the depiction of the lord in combat. Trustees and the Gajapati viewed the film and recommended changes.”
More Read
After weighing these arguments, the Supreme Court authorized the film’s release on or after July 28, aligning with the festival’s conclusion on July 27.
