SC raps K'taka over Thug Life row, orders security at venues

TAKING a stern view against fringe elements threatening to stall the screening of Thug Life, the apex court on Thursday pulled up the Karnataka government and directed it to ensure protection for the film's screening across the state.

- Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty @ New Delhi

A vacation bench comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan expressed concern over the growing tendency of suppressing artistic expression through mob threats. "We cannot allow this to happen. Just because of an opinion, should a movie, a stand-up comedy, or a poem recital be stopped?" the bench observed.

The apex court was hearing a PIL filed by Bengaluru resident M Mahesh Reddy, who alleged that despite a valid Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate, the Kamal Haasan-starrer was effectively banned in Karnataka due to threats from fringe outfits and the inaction of the state authorities.