SC judgement lifting ban on Padmavat : Benegal, Nihalni among celebrities to welcome

The Supreme Court on Thursday lifted a ban, imposed by six BJP-ruled states, on Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial film 'Padmaavat' (earlier 'Padmavati'), paving  path for for the movie's release across the country, media reports said.
,
Despite the clearance by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the ban was imposed by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Gujarat- all ruled by the BJP.

Reacting to the verdict, Benegal told Times Now :“I don’t see why anyone should dispute the SC judgement... Clearly law and order is the responsibility of the state.”

Taking to the twitter, film producer Manish Mundra said : "Banning the film #Padmaavat even after CBFC certification was a cowardly act by those states. Just were trying to do vote bank politics and or shying away from their responsibilities of managing law and order."

Actor Ayushman Khurrana, who was among the first to welcome the SC judgement, tweeted : "Best news of the day which restores faith in our democracy : Supreme Court suspends ban imposed by 4 states on #Padmaavat, restrains other states from issuing similar orders.

Former chairman of Central Board of Film Certification, Pahlaj Nihalni said that the CBFC is a Government body. "Once the film gets the certificate it’s the responsibility of the state government to ensure the exhibition."

He told CNN-News 18 :  “It's completely wrong that some people are trying to ban the film even after it has got clearance from the CBFC. "

Film maker  Mukesh Bhatt :“The centre should come down on these BJP states which are banning the film despite CBFC clearing it,”

Film maker Madhur Bhandarkar also tweeted : "I Welcome The Honorable Supreme Court's decision of withdrawing the ban on #Padmavat..Congrats to the Entire team !!

Author Chetan Bhagat also shared his reaction on Twitter and posted, “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.”

A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, also restrained all states from banning the Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor-starrer. “Creative freedom, freedom of speech and expression can’t be guillotined... artistic freedom has to be protected,” the SC said.

The CJI said that even Bandit Queen passed the test of the court. "In Delhi High Court, I had also given a judgment on 'Dhobi Ghat'. I dismissed the petition to ban the movie by imposing a cost of Rs 25,000 on the petitioner," he said.