Thug life: Just because someone's sentiment hurt, movie, stand up comedy can't be stopped, says SC

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Karnataka government to take action against those obstructing the screening of the Tamil film Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan, and underlined that public protests alone cannot be grounds to block the release of a creative work.

- MPOST BUREAU

A bench comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan questioned the growing tendency to object to artistic expressions over perceived hurt sentiments. "There is no end to hurting sentiments in India," the bench noted. "If a stand-up comedian says something, sentiments are hurt, and then there is vandalism. Are we saying that just because of protests, a movie should be stopped, or a poem's recital should be cancelled?"

The bench took note of the Karnataka government's affidavit assuring protection for theatres screening the film and recorded its commitment. "If any individual or group prevents the release of the movie or resorts to coercion or violence, the State shall act promptly under criminal and civil laws, including seeking damages," it stated.