No ban on Padmaavat release: SC refuses to modify order, dismisses Rajasthan, MP govts' plea

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to modify order clearing Bollywood film 'Padmaavat' release, dismissing Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments' plea.

Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments had filed a plea seeking the recall of its January 18 orders allowing the screening of controversial Bollywood film 'Padmaavat' in theatres across India on the grounds that its release would create "law and order" problems in the two states.

The apex court had, on January 18, paved way for the nationwide release of the movie on January 25 by lifting the ban put by states like Gujarat and Rajasthan on its screening.

It had also restrained other states from issuing orders banning the Deepika Padukone-starrer, based on the saga of a historic 13th century battle between Maharaja Ratan Singh and his army of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi.

Madhya Pradesh, in its plea, had submitted that section 6 of the Cinematograph Act empowers the state to stop exhibition of any controversial movie on the grounds of possible violation of law and order.

Rajasthan, in its application, had referred to several recent incidents of violence that has taken place in there and sought modification of the order to the extent that the movie is not allowed to be released in the state.

The film has been facing protests by the Karni Sena and other fringe groups over allegations that historical facts were distorted in the flick.

The film, which also stars Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh, was originally slated for release on December 1 last year but was postponed as the makers did not got a certificate from CBFC till then.

Meanwhile, two bodies which have been protesting against the film -- Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena and Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha, also moved the apex court seeking their impleadment as parties, opposing its release on grounds including that it hurt the sentiments of the community.