Supreme Court Tears Into Karnataka Over Kamal Haasan's Thug Life Ban: ‘Mobs Can’t Rule The Streets’

Supreme Court says Karnataka must ensure Thug Life release, slams mob pressure, and high court’s apology demand

The Supreme Court on Tuesday reprimanded the Karnataka government for not allowing the release of Thug Life, a movie featuring and produced by Tamil star Kamal Haasan. The apex court held that a film certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) should be exhibited and cannot be deferred because of outrage by people or threats from a mob.

A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan was considering a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by Mahesh Reddy.  He prayed for directions to enable the release of the movie in Karnataka. The film had been opposed after Haasan made a comment that “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” which led to protests and threats from some groups.

Mobs Can’t Rule the Streets: SC

Describing the incident as a threat to public order and freedom of expression, the court stated, “We can’t let mobs and vigilante groups take over our streets. The rule of law must prevail.”

The judges further explained that if a person does not like what is being said, they should reply with another statement, not violence or disturbance. “People can avoid watching the film. That’s their choice. But once a movie is cleared by the CBFC, it has to be permitted to release,” stated Justice Manmohan.

The court instructed the Karnataka government to clarify within 24 hours whether the film would be screened throughout the state.

SC Slams Karnataka HC Over Apology Comment

The Supreme Court also frowned on the Karnataka High Court’s previous directive that Kamal Haasan must apologize for his comment on the language. “It is not the high court’s business to ask for an apology,” the bench said, reiterating that judicial forums need to protect free speech and not bow to popular ire.

The high court had previously questioned if Haasan made the statement as a historian or linguist and stated the situation could have been resolved with an apology.

Language Row Delays Thug Life Release in Karnataka

Helmed by accomplished director Mani Ratnam, Thug Life is his first outing with Kamal Haasan after Nayakan (1987). Though the movie hit screens all over the country on June 5, it was unable to find its way onto Karnataka screens following a demand from the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) that Haasan issue a public apology before release.

The row began with Haasan’s statement that Kannada developed from Tamil, a comment that prompted severe backlash and a boycott call.

SC Transfers Case to Itself, Next Hearing on Thursday

Taking the issue under its direct jurisdiction, the Supreme Court transferred the case from the Karnataka High Court to itself. The bench said that it would keep an eye on further proceedings to avoid administrative reluctance or fringe elements preventing the film from being screened.

The court also reminded that freedom of expression cannot be restricted in the name of social or political sensitivity. The case has been listed for further hearing on Thursday, with the Karnataka government asked to file a clear report on the release of the film.