SC Asks Mamata’s TMC Government To Pay Rs 20 Lakh To Producer Of Movie Which Faced Unofficial Ban

A Supreme Court bench comprising of Justices D Y Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta today (11 March) directed the Trinamool government of West Bengal to pay damages to the tune of Rs 20 lakh to the film Bhobishyoter Bhoot’s producer for informally disallowing the movie’s screening in the state, reports Live Law. Costs of Rs 1 lakh have also been imposed.

The bench noted with serious concern the ‘growing intolerance’ against artistic freedom in Indian society, and said that free speech could not be throttled for fear of the mob.

Bhobishyoter Bhoot, a film directed by Anik Datta, had been withdrawn from a number of screens, allegedly because of its satirical content being critical of political parties, particularly the ruling Trinamool.

In its petition the movie’s producer, Indibily Creative Pvt Ltd accused the West Bengal government of abusing police power and behaving like a ‘super-censor’. The movie had already received the green light from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

In its previous interim order, the apex court had taken strong exception to the movie being denied venues to screen, stating, "Repeatedly, in decisions of this court, it has been held that once a film has been duly certified by CBFC, it is not open to any authority either of the State Government or otherwise to issue formal or informal directions preventing the producer from having the film screened. Such actions of the State directly impinge upon the fundamental right to the freedom of speech and expression."

Also Read: No Freedom Of Speech In Bengal? Actors, Filmmakers Protest Against TMC Government’s Ban On ‘Bhobishyoter Bhoot’