The bench pointed out that if one person makes a statement and everybody believes it as gospel truth there is something wrong in the system. (image: x.com/CinemaWithAB)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday criticised the Karnataka government’s ban on the release of Kamal Haasan’s Tamil film Thug Life in the State, following the actor’s allegedly controversial remarks. A Vacation Bench led by Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and comprising Justice Manmohan, stated that it cannot allow mobs and vigilantes to take over the streets, and the government must protect the actor’s right to screen the movie in the State.

“We cannot have mobs and vigilante groups take over our streets. We cannot allow this to happen. Rule of law must prevail,” Justice Bhuyan said. While hearing a petition filed M. Mahesh Reddy, seeking permissions to allow the screening of Thug Life in Karnataka, apex court intervened.

Also Read | KFCC Bans ‘Thug Life’ Release In Karnataka; Demands Apology From Kamal Haasan

The court stated that rule of law of asserts that the release of a film cannot be stopped. “It is the duty of the State to ensure a film is released after it gets the CBFC certificate. That is the law we follow,” the Court said.

The bench also pointed out that if one person makes a statement and everybody believes it as gospel truth there is something wrong in the system. Further, it added that the people of Karnataka can disagree with Haasan, but fundamental rights must be protected.

The Court also expressed disapproval over the Karnataka High Court’s suggestion that Kamal Haasan should seek an apology for his remark. During the audio launch of the film Thug Life Kamal Haasan made the controversial remark that Kannada language was “born out of Tamil,” and a row erupted. His comment sparked outrage among Kannada groups and language activists, and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has demanded a public apology from the actor.

Also Read | “Historians Have Taught Me”: Kamal Haasan Clarifies Tamil-Kannada Remark

While hearing the petition, the Karnataka High Court then advised that actor should apologise for his statement which was said to have hurt the sentiments of people in Karnataka. Following, Kamal Hasaan expressed his refusal to apologise and said that his movie, Thug Life, will not be released in Karnataka for now.

“There is something wrong with the system when one person makes a statement and everyone gets involved. Why should the High Court say ‘express an apology’? That is not its role,” the apex court observed.