SC to examine ban on Jodhaa Akbar

In a petition, UTV Software Communication Limited, producer of the film, has sought revocation of the ban imposed by the governments of UP, MP, Haryana and Uttarakhand, besides local bans imposed in various cities and towns, across the country, contending that such bans are a violation of the Fundamental Rights as enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution.

“The right to make and exhibit movies has been recognised as part of the Fundamental Right to freedom of speech and expression as enshrined in Article 19(1) (a) and 19 (1) (g) of the Constitution,” advocate Vikas Mehta, appearing for the petitioner, told a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan.

He requested the court to take up the matter on an urgent basis as with each passing day the producer of the film is suffering huge losses. Acceding to his plea, the court directed that the matter be placed among “special mention cases.” These cases are taken up separately and are not tagged with the routinely mentioned cases listed before court.