INTRODUCTION
The Madras Highcourt ordered Tamil Nadu Police to protect the theaters in TamilNadu for the screening of the movie ‘Kingdom’ starring Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda. The protection was ordered due to the threats and interference of the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NKT) in screening the film.
CASE SCENARIO
The petitioner in this case was the producers of the film and they sought for a protection for all theaters in Tamil Nadu which screens the ‘Kingdom Movie’. The supporters of the party NTK argued that the film misrepresents the srilankan tamil people mainly Tamil Eelam issue. One Seeman the Chief of ‘NTK’ criticizes the film publicly and threatens to stop the film from screening otherwise the supporters of NTK will create issues in screening the film.
ARGUMENTS
The petitioner pointed that there is no intention to offend the feelings of any community especially the Tamil Eelam. The supporters of ‘NKT’ also try to deface promotional posters,flexes in different places in Tamil Nadu. The NKT Members also send different letters to theater owners to prevent them from screening the film ‘Kingdom’.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
According to Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of speech and Expression. Also there are some restrictions in this article. In the cases of films,documentaries etc these restrictions are based on the Censorship Laws. The Censor Board of Film Certifications are the authority who have the right to provide certifications to the film.
REMARKS FROM THE JUDGE
Justice Bharatha Chakaravarthy heard the pleadings from both sides and ordered the Tamil Nadu Police to provide necessary protection to all the theaters in Tamil Nadu which screens the movie ’Kingdom’. Also every film maker has the right to make a film in their own way. The court also pointed out that the Censor Board certifies the above film so no one has the right to stop screening this film. The court also instructed the police to take necessary measures to protect the theaters from unnecessary issues in screening the film and also take actions against any activities regarding unlawful assembly and creating issues.
CONCLUSION
The above case was disposed of by the Madras High court by instructing to provide necessary protection to the theaters and allow the movie goers to watch the film peacefully. Also the Court pointed out that the persons who are against the movie and its content, especially the members of NKT can protest peacefully without making any issues . Article 19(1)(a) protects artistic expression and no one can prevent it unlawfully.
AUTHOR DETAILS:
Aswathy S Menon, a law graduate from Mar Gregorios College of Law, Thiruvananthapuram, and Practicing as a lawyer at High Court of Kerala with over two years of experience in litigation, compliance, and legal research. She has contributed to legal content writing and worked on civil, criminal, and corporate matters, with particular interests in corporate governance, contract law, and dispute resolution.