SC Slams Crackdown on Thug Life, Warns of Threat to Free Speech

 SC Slams Crackdown on Thug Life, Warns of Threat to Free Speech

New Delhi — The Supreme Court on Thursday voiced serious concern over the growing trend of silencing films, literature, and theatre in India under the pretext of “hurt sentiments,” warning that such intolerance poses a grave threat to freedom of expression.

A Vacation Bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan made the observations while wrapping up a case concerning an unofficial ban on actor Kamal Haasan’s Tamil film Thug Life in Karnataka. The court took note of an assurance from the Karnataka government that the movie would face no restrictions and that theatres screening it would receive adequate protection.

“This constant refrain of hurt sentiments is never-ending,” Justice Bhuyan remarked sharply. “Someone is always offended by something they see or hear — and the response is vandalism. Where is this heading?”

The judges stressed that it’s the responsibility of the state to rein in violent mobs and ensure those who resort to threats and intimidation face consequences.

The controversy began after Kamal Haasan allegedly made remarks about the Kannada language during promotional events for the film. In the face of backlash and pressure from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, the producers put the release on hold in the state.

“Freedom of speech in films cannot survive under the shadow of violence,” Justice Bhuyan noted.

Justice Manmohan echoed the concern, rhetorically asking: “Are we going to shut down everything — films, theatre, poetry? Where does it stop?”

Karnataka’s counsel assured the court that theatres would be protected and that the state would take legal action — both civil and criminal — against anyone attempting to disrupt screenings through threats or violence.

Senior advocate Sathish Parasaran, appearing for the film’s producers, told the court he was satisfied with the state’s affidavit and opted to withdraw the petition.

The state clarified that no official ban had ever been imposed on Thug Life.

However, a lawyer representing pro-Kannada language groups argued that Haasan’s comments were nothing more than a publicity stunt that offended regional sensibilities.

“If it was just a gimmick, then you walked right into it,” Justice Bhuyan retorted. Justice Manmohan added, “If you believe it was a stunt, then file a proper legal case — but you don’t get to take the law into your own hands.”

Another petitioner, M. Mahesh Reddy, represented by advocate Athenam Velan, urged the court to lay down guidelines to prevent similar unofficial bans in the future. Velan called the current atmosphere of threats and arson a “deeply dangerous” assault on free speech.