Supreme Court lifts UP ban on Aarakshan

Giving the go ahead for the screening of Amitabh Bachchan starrer Aarakshan in Uttar Pradesh, the Supreme Court on Friday quashed the ban imposed by the state, saying public discussion and dissent are necessary in a vibrant democracy.

Giving the go ahead for the screening of Amitabh Bachchan starrer Aarakshan in Uttar Pradesh, the Supreme Court on Friday quashed the ban imposed by the state, saying public discussion and dissent are necessary in a vibrant democracy.

HT Image

A bench of justice Mukundakam Sharma and justice AR Dave lifted the state’s two-month ban on the film in UP holding that the restriction would go against the democratic value of free speech and expression.

Though UP government defended its decision, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, which had also stopped the film’s release, told the court that they have already decided to permit its screening.

“In a democracy, particularly in a vibrant democracy like ours, public discussion is necessary for its smooth running,” said the bench. “In fact, such discussions bring awareness on social issues for effective working of the democracy. ,” observed justice Sharma.

The apex court passed the order while upholding the writ petition filed by film maker Prakash Jha challenging the decision of UP, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh to suspend the screening of the film