‘We are not inclined to entertain this’, SC refuses to interfere in EC’s order banning PM Modi’s biopic release

Refusing to interfere with the Election Commission’s order banning release of the biopic on PM Narendra Modi until May 19, the Supreme Court said that it was not inclined to entertain the application.

“What survives in this now? The issue is whether the movie can be exhibited at this time. The Election Commission has taken a decision. We are not inclined to entertain this”, the bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna said in relation.

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The counsel, appearing for film producers, told the bench that the EC’s order is contrary to the clearance given to the movie by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The EC had on April 22 had submitted its detailed report to the top court on the biopic, saying the film treated the subject with undue reverence, and its public screening during poll campaign would tilt the electoral balance.

“There are several scenes depicting a major opposition party as corrupt and showing them in poor light. Their leaders have been depicted in such a manner that their identification is clear and obvious to viewers”, the EC had said in its statement.

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It further said that the biopic was more than a biography and was a hagiography which treats the subject as saints and gives undue reverence and the construct of the movie was unabashedly uni-dimensional, which puts an individual on a higher pedestal through use of specific symbols, slogans and scenes.

The Modi biopic, starring Vivek Oberoi, has been the most-talked about movie this election season. Directed by Omung Kumar, it tells the story of Modi’s rise to power from humble beginnings.

The apex court had on April 9 disposed of a petition filed by a Congress leader Aman Panwar seeking a stay on the release of the biopic, saying the Election Commission would be an appropriate place to seek the redressal.

COURTESY:- NEWS BHARATI