States that are ruled by the BJP and which have made moves to please right-wing outfits are bound to be in a catch-22 situation after the stay order by the Supreme Court (“Supreme Court stays ban on screening Padmaavat”, January 19). The obdurate stance of these outfits is unwarranted. State governments that have banned the film should also take into account that the film industry comprises workers at the grass-root level whose livelihood depends on the release of films. The solution lies in managing the two sides in a non-partisan manner. Film-makers too should remember this: We have freedom of speech, but you have to watch what you say.
R. Sridharan,
Chennai
While it is happy news that the ban on Padmaavat has been stayed by the Supreme Court in order to let the freedom of expression prevail, one also has to take cognisance of the sentiments of those objecting to the film’s release, and which cannot be totally crushed. For many, Padmavati is revered and her valour and unblemished character are a part of history. One must also not forget that the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution are always subject to reasonable restrictions. I feel that the freedom of expression cannot permit the distortion of certain facts. I wish that film-makers acknowledge this.
Anoop Kumar Srivastava,
New Delhi
