SC orders states to provide security for 'Padmaavat' screenings, says free speech cannot be kept at bay

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered states not to ban the controversial movie 'Padmaavat' and instead asked them to provide security to the movie while it screened.

"It is not your discretion. It is your duty," a three judge bench said. CJI Dipak Misra said that constitutional rights such as free speech cannot be kept at bay.

SC states censor approved #Padmaavat can't be banned by states. Great decision. Every story can't be told how bullies want it. Artists, just as anyone else, have freedom to express in India. The states involved should respect decision and curb bullies.

— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) January 18, 2018

The court stayed ban orders passed by 3 states prohibiting its screening and also restrained other states from following suit.

The court brushed off arguments that Padmavati was a goddess and not woman.

"We will not tolerate distortion of history. No one can show Gandhi drinking whisky," Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had said. But the bench rejected his plea.

SC stays ban on film #Padmaavat by few States even Govt didn't made efforts to stop movie. States took preventive action to maintain Law & order, if anything happens now who will be responsible?

— Prashant P. Umrao (@ippatel) January 18, 2018

Three states Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat had banned it. Others such as MP and Bihar had declared their intent to do so.

The court said this was an interim order and it would hear the case in March.