The court affirmed the importance of freedom of expression while ensuring that state authorities protect against coercion and violence related to film screenings, mandating state action in similar cases.

ORDER :

1. Application for intervention is allowed.

2. Heard learned counsel for the parties.

3. Writ petition (Civil) No.575/2025 has been filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of India as a Public Interest Litigation seeking the following reliefs :

“i. A Writ in the nature of Mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order, or direction, declaring that the de facto ban on the screening of the CBFC certified film ‘Thug Life’ in the State of Karnataka, effected through threats of violence, intimidation, and extra-constitutional directives by non-state actors and Respondent No.5, and facilitated by the inaction of Respondents No. 1, 2, and 3, is illegal, unconstitutional, and void ab initio, being violative of Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 19(1)(g) and 21 of the Constitution of India;

ii. A Writ in the nature of Mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order, or direction, commanding the Respondents No. 1, 2, and 3 to ensure, on a continuing basis, the safe, secure, and unimpeded exhibition of the CBFC certified Tamil feature film ‘Thug Life’ in all cinema theatres and multiplexes across the State of Karnataka that are willing to screen the same, and to take all necessary steps to prevent any recurrence of such intimidation for this or any other lawfully certified film;

iii. A Writ in the nature of Mandamus of any other appropriate writ, order, or direction, commanding the Respondents No. 1, 2, and 3 to initiate and pursue with utmost diligence, accountability, and transparency, appropriate legal proceedings, including criminal prosecution, against all individuals and office bearers of organizations who have issued threats of violence, arson, or incited communal hatred/violence in connection with the release of the film ‘Thug Life’, as evidenced by the Annexures and to submit a status report on action taken to this Hon’ble Court within a time-bound manner;

v. Pass such other or further orders as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper in the interest of justice, equity, and good conscience, and to uphold the majesty of the Constitution.”

4. In view of the stand taken by respondent No.1 – State of Karnataka in the affidavit, it is not necessary to delve into the rival contentions canvassed at the Bar. Suffice it to say that on 13.06.2025, this Court while issuing urgent notice, passed the following order:

“1. It is argued by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner that a duly CBFC certified Tamil Feature Film “Thug Life” is not allowed to be screened in the theaters in the State of Karnataka. The so called ban under threat of violence stems not from any lawful process, but from a deliberate campaign of terror, including explicit threats of arson against cinema halls, incitement to large-scale communal violence targeting linguistic minorities.

2. Considering the urgency shown in the matter and the issue involved, issue notice to the respondents, returnable on 17.06.2025.

3. Additionally, service through dasti mode is also permitted.

4. Liberty is also granted to serve the learned Standing Counsel representing the respondent-State of Karnataka.”

5. Thereafter, the matter came to be listed on 17.06.2025 on which date, Writ Petition No.15589/2025 filed by the producer of the movie “Thug Life”, pending before the High Court of Karnataka was transferred to this Court. We also granted a day’s time to respondent No.1 – State of Karnataka to file affidavit.

6. Pursuant thereto, State of Karnataka has filed affidavit. In paragraph No.2 of the affidavit, State has categorically stated that it has not imposed any restrictions on the release of the movie