The Supreme Court slapped a ban of Rs 20 lakh on the West Bengal government on Thursday, 11 April, for imposing a “virtual ban” on a Bengali film Bhobhishyoter Bhoot, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Anik Dutta.
A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud said the fine amount shall be given to producers and cinema hall owners as “compensation” for violation of their right to freedom of speech and expression.
The court also expressed serious concerns over “growing intolerance” in the society against artistic freedom and held that “free speech can’t be silenced for the fear of the mob.”
The apex court was hearing a plea by the producers of the film who argued that the film – a political satire – was being taken down on the orders of the state government.
The movie had released in screens across West Bengal on 15 Februrary, but was mysteriously taken off all theatres two days later. The producers of the film were given no written reason for the same. When they approached the owners of the cinema halls, they were told that this was being done on the basis of verbal orders from “higher authorities.”
Hearing the plea by the producers, the Supreme Court on 15 March directed the Mamata Banerjee government to ensure that no obstruction or restraint of any kind was imposed on the screening of the movie.
The film was ‘re-released’ on 5 April.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)