Supreme Court closes cases against makers of Hindi film Adipurush in different High Courts

The Supreme Court on Monday closed proceedings in different High Courts against makers of Hindi film Adipurush, which was based on the Hindu epic Ramayana and faced allegations of hurting religious sentiments.

A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia termed the pending proceedings against the film a futile exercise.

"All these matters must close now; these are unnecessary proceedings before the High Courts", Justice Kaul opined.

The Court proceeded to close the cases, after also noting that the film was released after due certification.

"In view of our order passed earlier on the same feature film, we are of the view that all the proceedings against it before different courts are a futile exercise. Thus, we find it fit to close such proceedings in the subject matter in issue. The film was released with certification. This should put a closure to the matters," the order stated.

The film Adipurush has been mired in litigation since its release and the makers also had to modify some scenes and dialogues owing to strong public objections from society.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had, in July, stayed orders and proceedings in various High Courts against the makers of Adipurush.

At the time, the Court also dismissed a plea seeking the revocation of the film's certification for screening. In a brief, yet strongly-worded order, the Court had stressed 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 Court said.

Meanwhile, T-Series, the production company behind Adipurush, also moved a plea in the Supreme Court challenging orders and proceedings in different High Courts against the film's makers.

The lead petition before the top court challenged an Allahabad High Court order, by which the High Court had summoned the makers of the film after some strong remarks.