Karnataka Tells SC: Committed to Law and Order Amid Thug Life Row
The Karnataka government has responded to the Supreme Court’s notice on the ongoing controversy surrounding the delayed release of Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life, assuring the bench that it remains duty-bound to uphold law and order across the state. The statement comes after the apex court expressed concern over threats to public peace and attempts to suppress a certified film through intimidation.
Appearing before the Supreme Court, Karnataka’s legal counsel clarified that the government had not imposed any official ban on the film. It stated that decisions by theatre owners to withhold screenings were influenced by apprehensions over protests—not due to any government order. The state assured the bench that it is prepared to maintain public peace and will take all necessary measures to ensure safety if the film is released.
Karnataka Defends Its Position
In its affidavit to the court, the government acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue—stemming from remarks allegedly made by actor Kamal Haasan on the origins of the Kannada language—but stressed that it had not succumbed to public pressure to halt the film. The government emphasized that the responsibility to maintain law and order would be exercised without favour or bias.
“We are fully committed to our constitutional duty and will ensure peace prevails in case the film is screened,” the counsel stated, in line with the Supreme Court’s earlier observation that “rule of law must prevail over mob pressure.”
No Official Ban, But No Screening Yet
While the government maintained it had not issued any formal prohibition, theatre owners and distributors across Karnataka have still withheld the release of Thug Life, citing protest threats. The court questioned this delay and asked whether the state had taken any concrete action to protect theatre operators or facilitate the lawful release of the CBFC-cleared film.
The Supreme Court has asked Karnataka to specify measures it intends to take to prevent disruption, and reminded the state of its obligation to safeguard artistic freedom and public order. The matter is being closely monitored as a test of the state’s willingness to act against vigilante pressures.
The next hearing is expected to assess the adequacy of Karnataka’s proposed security and enforcement plan, as the country watches how one state’s response to a film release could influence the national discourse on censorship, expression, and state responsibility.
