Court Restrains Release Citing Potential Public Unrest and Religious Sentiment Concerns
In a significant decision, the Orissa High Court has restrained the release of the animated film "Mahaprabhu Jagannath" in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mahesh Kumar Sahu and others. The court's order, delivered by a bench comprising Chief Justice Mr. Harish Tandon and Justice Murahari Sri Raman, was aimed at preventing potential disruption to social harmony and public order, particularly during the significant religious event of Rath Yatra.
The petitioners, represented by Senior Advocate Mr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, sought a writ of mandamus against the Central Board of Film Certification to revoke the certification granted to the film and to prevent its public exhibition. The contention revolved around the film's portrayal of religious figures and events in a manner inconsistent with traditional beliefs and practices, which was feared to hurt religious sentiments and disturb public peace.
The film, produced by Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd., faced objections from various quarters, including the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, for its depiction of Lord Jagannath in a fictional manner not aligned with established religious texts like the Skandha Purana and Brahma Purana. Despite assurances to amend the content, the producers announced the film's release without making the suggested changes, prompting the legal intervention.
The court emphasized the importance of balancing freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution with the restrictions outlined in Article 19(2), which allow for curtailing free speech in the interest of public order and morality. Acknowledging the potential for the film to incite unrest, especially during the Rath Yatra, the court found it prudent to halt the release until further examination of the matter.
As the legal battle unfolds, the court has scheduled the next hearing for August 5, 2026, directing Ele Animations Pvt. Ltd. not to proceed with the release until the court grants leave or until the next hearing date.
Bottom line:-
Public Interest Litigation - Restriction on release of a film to prevent public unrest - The release of an animated film depicting religious content, which is objected to for distorting established religious traditions and beliefs, was restrained by the court, considering its potential to disrupt social harmony and hurt religious sentiments.
Statutory provision(s): Article 19(1)(a), Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India
Mahesh Kumar Sahu v. State of Odisha, (Orissa)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2941907
