Supreme Court stays proceedings before different High Courts against film Adipurush; dismisses PIL to cancel certification

The Supreme Court on Friday stayed orders and proceedings in various High Courts against the makers of feature Hindi film, Adipurush..A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia lamented the falling tolerance for creative work. The bench was hearing a batch of petitions, one of them being a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking the revocation of the film's certification for screening.The PIL alleged it hurt Hindu sentiments and distorted sacred texts, but the bench did not find force in the such contentions. "Why should we interfere under Article 32? Everybody is now touchy on everything. Should we scrutinise everything? Tolerance for films, books these days is going down," Justice Kaul remarked.In a brief yet strongly-worded order dismissing the PIL, the bench stressed on cinematic liberties."We may hold here that cinematographic depictions play with the original material, to what extent it is permissible a body is there. It is not possible for this court to interfere for each person's sensibilities under Article 32. These are not matters for this Court to hear and sit in appeal of certification. If anyone is aggrieved by decision of appellate authority they can pursue remedies under law."The other pleas were filed by T-Series, the production company behind the movie, challenging orders and proceedings in different High Courts. The lead petition challenged an Allahabad High Court order summoning the makers of the film after some strong remarks..PIL to ban Adipurush: "Is it public interest or publicity interest litigation?" Calcutta High Court asks petitioner.The top court issued notice in the appeals and stayed the proceedings before the Allahabad and Calcutta High Courts..The film has been mired in litigation since its release and the makers had to modify some scenes and dialogues owing to the strong objections from different sections of society.The Allahabad High Court had criticised the makers of the movie for the shameful and vulgar depiction of certain characters in the film.It had, therefore, directed the film's director Om Raut, producer Bhushan Kumar and dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir to appear in person before the Court on July 27, along with personal affidavits explaining their bonafides.The High Court had also ordered the constitution of an expert committee to re-examine whether Adipurush is true to the Ramayana, which was said to be the source of inspiration behind the movie. .Make a documentary on the Quran depicting wrong things and see what will happen: Allahabad High Court in Adipurush case.Senior Advocate Harish Salve with advocate Pranav Sarthi appeared for T-Series before the Supreme Court.T Series was also represented by Senior Advocate Saurabh Kirpal with advocates Hitesh Jain, Shyel Trehan, Monisha Mane Bhangale, Gaurav Vutts, and Nikita Menon, who were instructed by Parinam Law Associates.