NEW DELHI: After the Supreme Court rejected the ban imposed by the states on Movie Padmaavat, governments of Haryana and Rajasthan, two of the four states to have banned the release of the movie, today said that though they respect the decision of the apex court, however, they will look for legal provisions to appeal against the SC’s decision.

Today, the SC stayed the ban on the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie imposed by Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and paved the way for the all-India release of the movie on January 25.

Following the Supreme Court’s order, the governments of Haryana and Rajasthan said that though they accept the decision, they will explore legal steps to appeal against it.

The government of Rajasthan, which was one of the first states to ban the movie welcomed the decision and said it will look for legal options to challenge it.

“We respect the Supreme Court’s decision, will abide by it. My department and I will look for a legal provision if one is possible, after reading SC’s decision and then we will move forward,” said Rajasthan home minister Gulab Chand Kataria.

The government of Haryana, too, held a similar view on the SC’s order.

“Supreme Court gave the decision without listening to our side. Supreme Court is the supreme so will abide by the decision. We will also examine the decision and see if there is a scope of appealing against it,” said Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij.

Governments of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are yet to respond on the Supreme Court’s order.

However, Rajput Karni Sena, one of the vehement opponents of the movie, refused to change its position and demanded a ban on movie’s release.

“I request all the social organizations of the country to not allow the release of the movie. The public should impose a curfew on cinema halls,” said Rajput Karni Sena Chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi.

Rajput community leader Suraj Pal Amu, too, was critical of the SC’s order and said that the order has hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindus of the country.

“Today, the Supreme Court has hurt the sentiments of lakhs and crores of people, lakhs and crores of Hindus who respect the SC. Our protest will continue, even if I am sent to the gallows. If this film is released, the country will break, said Amu.

In Chhattisgarh, members of Rajput community submitted a memorandum to state home minister Ramsewak Paikra demanding a ban on the movie in the state.

“Cinema halls screening the film would be burnt down. No changes hereafter are acceptable. We want a complete ban,” the memorandum said.

The Congress party termed the SC’s ruling a vindication of artists’ rights & freedom of speech.

“It’s vindication to artists’ rights and freedom of speech. SC must be congratulated for upholding not just freedom of speech but artists’ rights to present a story in the manner he/she wishes. Hope states honour verdict and don’t create hurdles in its implementation,” said Congress leader Kapil Sibal.
The film has, time and again, run into trouble with members of the Karni Sena, who allege that the movie shows Rajput legacy in a bad light and that historical facts have been tampered with.
Despite the clearance from Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the governments of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh had imposed a ban on the movie.
In December, the censor board had decided to give Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati a UA certificate without any cuts but has suggested that the director change the film’s title to “Padmaavat” besides making four other modifications.
Source : timesofindia