SC Clears Release Of Film Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Says 'Animation Is for Children'

 

 

New Delhi : The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a plea by the Odisha government against the release of the film Mahaprabhu Jagannath, observing that creativity thrives in the country and animation is meant for children.

The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan. After hearing arguments, the bench declined to modify its earlier order which allowed the release of the film. The bench observed that animation is a new form of art created for children and cannot be curtailed because of such petitions.

"There is creativity in the country. Animation is for the purpose of children. Nobody is now reading books. These things should not come in the way of art," said the bench. The bench was hearing a plea by the Odisha government challenging the release of the animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' after it was granted screening clearance by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

 

On July 27, the Odisha government, while urging the apex court to examine the matter, argued that the release would cause a law-and-order situation in the state.

Earlier, a bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan permitted the all-India release of the animated film on or after July 28 post Lord Jagannath Yatra festivities.

The bench led by Justice Nagarathna noted that the animated movie was based on a web series already released on YouTube, and that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had granted clearance for its screening.

Justice Nagarathna observed that if such kind of sensitivity continues and people continue to file petitions, then we will have to pass orders regarding Hindu gods and goddesses that there should be no creativity.

She stressed that Ramayana on television would stop and there would be no art in any form of God and goddess, further adding, “There is creativity in the country…” Justice Mahadevan pointed out that the Central Board of Film Certification granted a certificate for the movie.

 

Advocate General (AG) of Odisha contended that the producer breached trust by arranging a special screening where religious heads, members of the temple committee and others were invited. It was argued that many objected to the Lord being depicted in animated form and the producer had promised to modify the movie accordingly.

The AG argued that the temple committee is only asking the producer to fulfil his promise. Justice Nagarathna remarked: "Just because there are two-three sensitive people, we will pass an extreme order that with respect to deity, there shall be no creativity, no literature, no sculpture?... Animation films are for children.” The bench added that before movies are produced, the teams conduct research to ensure creativity.

 

Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, for the producer, said that they had not given any assurance and pointed out that the temple committee had itself staged a walkout. After hearing submissions, the bench said, "We heard the Advocate General; we are not inclined to modify the order. The application is dismissed."