In Brief
Viacom 18 challenged bans on the film 'Padmaavat' issued by States of Gujarat and Rajasthan after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had issued a certificate. The Supreme Court held that once a film is certified by the CBFC after examination and excisions, States cannot pre-emptively prohibit its exhibition claiming breach of peace. Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act permits only suspension of films already being publicly exhibited. The Court granted interim stay of the state bans and directed that States must maintain law and order when the film is exhibited, rather than prohibit it. The case was listed for final disposal on 26 March 2018."
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