Why no action against threats: Supreme Court to Karnataka, film body on Thug Life

India Today

19-06-2025

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday pulled up the Karnataka government and the State Film Chamber for not acting against those who threatened violence over the release of actor-politician Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life. While recording the state's affidavit stating it had imposed no restriction on the film and would provide full security if the producers chose to release it, the court questioned why action was not taken against those who had issued threats.advertisement'If the mob is attacking you, then you should approach the police. You are a powerful body,' the bench told the Film Chamber, which had earlier written to the producers seeking an apology after a group of 500 people stormed its office. The Chamber later claimed it had acted under pressure and did not intend to obstruct the release.The bench, which was hearing petitions filed by the producer and a third party seeking guidelines on hate speech and threats of violence, said freedom of expression could not be curtailed by claims of hurt sentiments. 'Should stand-up comics be stopped? Should poets not recite poems?' the court asked, emphasising that a diverse country like India cannot allow mobs to dictate what can or cannot be released.
The petitioner argued that the state's affidavit granted 'king-like immunity' to those threatening arson, pointing out that it made no mention of initiating prosecution. He cited earlier rulings where the Supreme Court had held states accountable for failing to protect filmmakers and theatre owners.advertisementThe counsel for the Sahitya Parishad, which intervened in the matter, stated the organisation believed the actor's comments had hurt public sentiment but assured the court it would never support violence. The court recorded this assurance and asked both the state government and the Parishad to abide by their statements.When the petitioner demanded compensation for the filmmaker, the bench refused, saying, 'You think Rs 20 or Rs 30 lakh will make a difference to him?' The producer claimed losses of up to Rs 30 crore. It concluded that it would not be appropriate to issue new guidelines or enter into rival contentions, given the producer's satisfaction with the government's affidavit.The Karnataka government maintained that the dispute arose between the producer and the Film Chamber, and the producer had voluntarily withheld the release. The court reiterated that the state was now bound by its affidavit and urged all parties to act with restraint.'This is a diverse country. If sentiments are constantly cited, nothing will ever be released. The state must act proactively against such threats. You cannot take law into your own hands,' the bench said.