In Brief
The Supreme Court granted interim relief in a writ petition challenging state orders prohibiting exhibition of the film "Padmaavat" by state governments of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Though the Central Board of Film Certification had certified the film with excisions and disclaimers, the states attempted to ban its screening citing law and order concerns. The Court held that once a statutory board grants certification under parliamentary legislation, states cannot unilaterally prohibit exhibition. The power to suspend under Section 6 only applies to films already being publicly exhibited. The Court emphasized that maintaining law and order is the state's duty, not justification for censorship, and that freedom of expression through cinema is constitutionally protected.
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