The Supreme Court may have lifted the ban on the release of the Bollywood movie Padmaavat , but it is unlikely to be screened in the BJP-ruled States of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
While the owners of theatres and multiplexes in Gujarat have decided against exhibiting the movie following threats of disruption from outfits such as the Rajput Karni Sena, the Rajasthan government has decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its stay on the ban against its release.
Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria met leaders of the Rajput Karni Sena at the State Secretariat.
Announcing that the Rajasthan government will file a review petition in the Supreme Court against lifting the ban on the film Padmaavat , State Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria told Rajput activists on Saturday that they could also move court to join as parties in the case to ensure that the litigation proceeds “on the right track”.
“We would also like the erstwhile royal family of Mewar to move the court, as this will strengthen our case,” he said adding that the petition would be moved by Monday or Tuesday.
The State government had formally issued an order earlier this week prohibiting the film’s screening, citing the law-and-order situation and public interest.
The Gujarat Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association said its members would not screen the film in their cinemas because it was likely to cause law-and-order issues. Members of the Karni Sena and other groups held protests, blocking highways, setting two State transport buses on fire and burning tyres on the road.
Highways blocked
In Banaskantha, members of the Mahakal Sena blocked traffic, while in Bhavnagar, tyres were set on fire on various highways affecting traffic. “We are exploring all options and studying the Supreme Court ruling. I urge various groups and communities to maintain peace and don’t allow any violence in any manner,” Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home Pradipsinh Jadeja said after the protests on Saturday.
“We have told all movie hall owners that the movie will not be allowed under any circumstances and now they have also supported our demand to not show the movie,” said Raj Shekhavat, Gujarat President of Karni Sena.
“We all are scared if there is violence after the movie is screened. We are not prepared to bear any loss,” said Rakesh Patel, director of Gujarat Multiplex Association. In Ahmedabad, there are 46 multiplex cinema halls but will not show the movie.
In Rajkot also, cinema hall owners have “assured the protesting groups that the movie will not be released in the city.”
“We held a meeting with representatives and Karni Sena and other Rajput groups in which we assured them that the movie will not be released in any theatre in the city,” a cinema hall owner told The Hindu .
According to police, there are around 10 groups, including Rajput Karni Sena, which have threatened violence if the movie is shown anywhere in the State.
After the Supreme Court lifted ban , the State government issued a statement saying that it would “study the SC order” and then decide on the next move.
