PM Narendra Modi Biopic Release Delayed Controversy: Producers Move Supreme Court Against EC’s Decision; Hearing On April 15
Here’s a fresh development on the PM Narendra Modi biopic controversy. After EC stalled the release of the Vivek Oberoi starrer, on April 10, the makers of the film have moved Supreme Court to challenge the decision
PM Narendra Modi, the biopic starring Vivek Oberoi was set to hit screens on April 11, after the Censor Board cleared it with a U certificate. However, Election Commission, on April 10, stalled the release and said the film will release only after the Lok Sabha polls are over. The EC order stated that the film “affects the level playing field which is not in consonance with the provisions of Model Code of Conduct.”
Now, the latest update is that the film’s producer Sandip Ssingh has moved the Supreme Court against this delay. SC has agreed to hear the case on April 15.
Hitesh Jain, the lawyer for the four producers of the biopic, told The Indian Express, on Thursday that the makers will move the apex court under Article 32 of the Constitution stating that the EC’s order is a violation of their freedom of speech and expression.
Jain said, “A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court has already held that although the EC has plenary power under Article 324 of the Constitution, these powers have their limitations. When Parliament or any state legislature has already made a valid law then the EC should act in conformity with that law and it cannot transgress it. As far as film release goes, CBFC is the appropriate authority to take decisions under law.”
After PM Narendra Modi received a ‘U’ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification, producer Sandip Ssingh had said, “We are very happy that we got the ‘U’ certificate from the Censor Board, and finally the film will be releasing on April 11. We are also very relieved that the Supreme Court has rejected the plea. It is clear now from everywhere. I hope no political party across India has any problem, because the Election Commission, the CBFC, and all the courts have cleared all the pleas, and our film is ready for release. We are grateful to each and everyone who has prayed for us.”
Image Source:Instagram/vivekoberoi
Now, the latest update is that the film’s producer Sandip Ssingh has moved the Supreme Court against this delay. SC has agreed to hear the case on April 15.
Hitesh Jain, the lawyer for the four producers of the biopic, told The Indian Express, on Thursday that the makers will move the apex court under Article 32 of the Constitution stating that the EC’s order is a violation of their freedom of speech and expression.
Jain said, “A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court has already held that although the EC has plenary power under Article 324 of the Constitution, these powers have their limitations. When Parliament or any state legislature has already made a valid law then the EC should act in conformity with that law and it cannot transgress it. As far as film release goes, CBFC is the appropriate authority to take decisions under law.”
After PM Narendra Modi received a ‘U’ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification, producer Sandip Ssingh had said, “We are very happy that we got the ‘U’ certificate from the Censor Board, and finally the film will be releasing on April 11. We are also very relieved that the Supreme Court has rejected the plea. It is clear now from everywhere. I hope no political party across India has any problem, because the Election Commission, the CBFC, and all the courts have cleared all the pleas, and our film is ready for release. We are grateful to each and everyone who has prayed for us.”
Image Source:Instagram/vivekoberoi
