SC suspends ban by four states on Padmaavat, gives nod to release on Jan 25

After much of the controversy over Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming directorial Padmaavat, Supreme Court, on Thursday has given a green signal to the release of the movie across India. 

Padmaavat was facing a ban in states like Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat owing to the controversy instigated by a fringe Rajput group.

However, Supreme court has suspended the ban imposed in the four states and has given a free release to Bhansali directorial across the country.

Supreme Court, in its interim order, asked all the states to maintain law and order situation and prevent any untoward incident during the screening of Padmaavat across India.

Supreme Court stays notification by Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, grants green signal to release of the film #Padmaavat. pic.twitter.com/Aqsi4x9meX

— ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2018

Reportedly, the producers of Padmaavat had submitted a petition through senior lawyer Harish Salve and advocate Mahesh Agarwal, saying that the movie has undergone changes including in its title as suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

During the hearing on Thursday, Harish Salve told SC, "If states are banning a film, then it is destroying federal structure. It is a serious matter. If somebody has a problem, then he or she can approach appellate tribunal for relief. The state can't touch the content of a film."

Also Read | Padmaavat Controversy: Producers approach Supreme Court against ban in states

He further requested the central government to pass a direction to the states for a better and an effective step and solution.
Interestingly, Padmaavat has been inviting controversies since the time it was announced and has been facing protests by the fringe groups over its release.

The movie is based on the saga of the historic battle of the 13th century between Maharaja Ratan Singh and his army of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi. 

Padmaavat stars Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles and slated to release on January 25. The movie will witness a box office clash with Akshay Kumar's PadMan.