Supreme Court Addresses Concerns Over Animated Depiction of Lord Jagannath
In a recent hearing, the Supreme Court of India deliberated on whether the animated film ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’ could potentially affect the faith of Lord Jagannath’s devotees. This discussion arose from a petition filed by the Odisha government, which challenges the release of the film post the Jagannath Rath Yatra festival. The film’s depiction of Lord Jagannath in an animated format has sparked concern among some stakeholders.
The bench, comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan, evaluated the arguments presented by the Advocate General of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Pitambar Acharya. Acharya argued that portraying Lord Jagannath in a cartoonish manner might offend devotees. However, Justice Nagarathna expressed skepticism, questioning whether such a depiction truly undermines religious devotion, especially when the film is intended for children. She remarked, “Whether devotion for Lord Jagannath will diminish if this picture is released for children? It will not. You are expanding the scope of the petition. Animation will appeal more.”
Previous Supreme Court Ruling and Current Developments
Previously, on July 17, the Supreme Court had authorized the release of ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’ nationwide after the conclusion of the Jagannath Rath Yatra on July 28. The decision followed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) clearing the film for public exhibition after evaluating relevant statutory requirements.
During the proceedings, Acharya informed the Court that the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, had directed the matter to be listed before the current Bench. He noted that two miscellaneous applications have been filed in the Supreme Court, and a main writ petition regarding the film is still pending in the Orissa High Court.
Arguments from the State of Odisha
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the State of Odisha, contended that the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration had raised objections with the CBFC regarding the film. He urged the Court to hold off on its release until these objections are considered, stating, “They have moved the CBFC. These are our objections. Till our objections are addressed, please do not permit. Now the CBFC cannot take a decision because this Court had directed that it has to be released. Miscellaneous applications have been filed. Allow them to take an independent decision.”
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Justice Nagarathna recalled that the Court had previously weighed law and order and religious sensitivities when granting the release order, stating, “We balanced both the things because we are also conscious of law and order and sensitivities. After the festival, we had said release the film.”
Producers’ Opposition and Next Steps
Senior Advocate Devdatt Kamat, representing the film’s producers, opposed the new applications, arguing that the State is attempting to revisit issues that have already been resolved. In response to Mehta’s request, the Bench agreed to reconvene to address the applications on Wednesday, July 29.
