‘Thug Life’: Film, Stand-Up Comedy Cannot Be Banned Merely Because Feelings Are Hurt – Supreme Court

New Delhi, June 19 : The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Karnataka government to take action against anyone obstructing the screening of the film Thug Life starring Kamal Haasan, asserting that movies, stand-up comedy, or poetry readings cannot be banned just because someone's sentiments are hurt.

A bench comprising Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Manmohan observed, “In India, there is no end to hurt sentiments. If a stand-up comedian says something, there is outrage, vandalism, and protests. Where are we headed? Should a film be banned, a comedy act stopped, or a poem reading canceled just because of such protests?”

The apex court accepted Karnataka’s assurance that it would provide adequate security to cinema halls screening the film.

The bench stated, “The state has filed an affidavit clearing the way for the film’s screening... We believe it would be in the interest of justice to dispose of this matter. We do not find it appropriate to issue directions or impose penalties. However, we direct the State of Karnataka that if any person or group obstructs the screening or resorts to coercion or violence, the state must immediately take action under criminal and civil law, including providing compensation.”

The court also questioned the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) for asking veteran actor Kamal Haasan to apologize over his remark that Kannada originated from Tamil.

The bench asked, “Can a film be stopped simply because of an opinion? Should stand-up comedy or poetry be banned because someone doesn’t agree with the viewpoint?”

Responding to the court’s questions, the KFCC counsel said that they did not issue any threat but had merely circulated a letter requesting Haasan to consider apologizing due to widespread protests in the state.

The counsel admitted that a mob had entered their office, after which they issued the letter. To this, Justice Bhuyan asked if the KFCC had filed a police complaint. “You succumbed to mob pressure. Did you go to the police? No. That means you had no complaint against them — you were just trying to protect yourself.”

The KFCC lawyer assured the court that they would comply with any orders passed.

Representing Rajkamal Films International Ltd., one of the producers of the film, the counsel said that although they had already suffered losses of around ₹30 crore, they had no objection if the state provided security for the screenings.

The Supreme Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by M Mahesh Reddy, seeking directions to allow the screening of Thug Life in Karnataka. The film’s release was stalled in the state following backlash against Haasan’s comments.

Earlier, on June 17, the court had come down heavily on the Karnataka government for not allowing the film to be screened, stating that “mob rule cannot be allowed to dictate terms in a democracy.”