Overview
- The Supreme Court on Friday modified an Orissa High Court stay and allowed the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath to be shown nationwide on or after July 28, once the Puri Rath Yatra concludes.
- The Orissa High Court had on July 15 restrained the film’s release, saying certain fictional scenes could hurt religious sentiments and risk public unrest if screened during the festival.
- The producers pointed to a U certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification and said the film is a fictional children’s story adapted from a long-running web series, while noting large pre-booked screenings and significant financial outlay.
- The apex court issued notices to the Centre, the Odisha government, the CBFC and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, signalling that the underlying objections will be examined further in court.
- The case highlights that CBFC certification is not absolute in disputes over religion and public order, and that timing of releases during major festivals can be decisive in judicial decisions.