In Brief
The petitioner, a practising counsel, filed a writ petition seeking to prevent the release of the film "Padmavati" abroad without CBFC certification and to direct the CBI to register an FIR against the producers and directors for alleged violations of criminal laws. The Supreme Court dismissed the petition, holding that pre-judging matters pending before the statutory CBFC violates the rule of law. The Court stressed that artistic expression deserves protection through recognised artistic licence and that PIL should not be abused to harass or pre-judge matters still under consideration by competent authorities. The pleadings were struck off as scurrilous and vexatious."
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