For the third time this month, the Supreme Court turned down
a demand to ban "Padmavati" and said, in a rebuke to Chief Ministers
and others who have spoken out against the film, "those holding public
offices should not observation on such issues."
The judges reiterated that it is the prerogative of the general
censor board to review the film and make a decision on whether it is suitable
for screening.
"When the matter is pending the consideration of the
CBFC (Censor Board of Film Certification) , how can persons share public
offices comment on whether CBFC ought to issue certificate or not? That will
prejudice the decision of the CBFC," the judges said.
Padmavati has been opposed by more than a few top
politicians who say that the film cannot be allowed to "distort
history" and upset the sentiments of Hindu groups.
The 190-crore movie is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali who
has denied reports that the movie suggests a anecdote between Rajput warrior
queen Padmini and Alauddin Khilji, the Delhi sultan who was obsessed with her
beauty. According to legend, the queen
set herself on fire after her husband was killed in battle to ensure that
Khilji would not imprison her.
The Karni Sena, a fringe group, has led the protests against
the film and has threatened to harm Deepika Padukone who theater the lead role.
The Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh
have said they will not allow the movie to release even if it is vacant by the
censor board.
Top union ministers have said Mr Bhansali should check with
with opponents of the motion picture and historians to arrive at a description
that is acceptable to them all.
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