'Padmavati' row: Supreme Court refuses to interfere

With each passing day comes new news regarding the 'Padmavati' controversy and today we've got you the latest update on the same. The Supreme Court on Monday has now refused to interfere at this stage pointing out that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is yet to grant certification to the movie. The bench that took this decision consisted of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Kanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud who dismissed a public interest writ petition.

The petition was regards to seeking a ban on the release of the film till the objectionable portions are deleted. The bench said, “During the course of hearing it transpires that 'Padmavati' has not yet received certification from CBFC. Our (court) interference will tantamount to prejudging the matter. We do not intend to do so. Needless to say that the admitted pleadings are premature.”

Taking note of submissions of senior counsel Harish Salve, appearing for the producer and director of the film that the petition contained averments, which are objectionable, the bench asked for those portions to be struck off from the petition and made it clear that those portions should not be used in any manner.

Earlier, petitioner advocate M.L. Sharma submitted that even though the Censor Board had not issued certification, the songs in the film projecting Rani Padmavati as a dancer of the palace, romancing with Muslim invader had been released across the world and are freely available now. He also claimed that this was a character assassination of the Queen.

The CJI said if the Censor Board takes a decision, there is the appellate tribunal for appeal. The bench added, “If it comes to us we will examine the issue. If necessary we will watch the film."
Stay tuned for more updates on the same.