'Won’t let mobs take over our streets': Supreme Court slams Karnataka over 'Thug Life' row

In a strong rebuke to the Karnataka authorities and judiciary, the Supreme Court on June 17 declared that it will not allow “mobs and vigilante groups to take over our streets” amid rising tensions over the release of Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life in the state.

The top court also pulled up the Karnataka High Court for asking Haasan to apologize over his remarks about the origin of the Kannada language before deciding on the film’s release.

A two-judge bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan firmly transferred all proceedings from the High Court to itself, asserting that the rule of law must prevail above all. “If a film has a CBFC certificate, it has the legal right to be released,” Justice Manmohan said. “You cannot stop a film’s screening by threatening to burn cinemas or unleash mobs.”

The controversy erupted after Haasan reportedly stated that Kannada was born from Tamil, sparking outrage among certain groups who threatened to disrupt Thug Life screenings in Karnataka. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed, seeking the Supreme Court’s intervention to ensure the film’s smooth release.

“This is not about just one film,” Justice Manmohan emphasized during the hearing. “It is about the rule of law, about protecting fundamental rights. The state must ensure that threats and violence don’t dictate what can or cannot be shown.”

Rejecting the state government’s argument that the film producer had assured the High Court that he would seek a resolution with the Film Chamber of Commerce, the bench said: “The rule of law cannot hang on the statement of one individual. If there’s a CBFC certificate, the film must be allowed to screen.”

Justice Bhuyan cited the Supreme Court’s earlier rulings on freedom of speech, including the Bombay High Court’s landmark decision overturning the Maharashtra government’s ban on the Marathi play Me Nathuram Godse Boltoy in the 1990s. “Even if the Father of the Nation is criticized, people have a right to dissent. You may disagree, but you cannot suppress it,” he said.

The Court expressed clear disapproval of the Karnataka High Court’s move to seek an apology from Haasan. “Why should the High Court ask anyone to apologize for expressing an opinion? That’s not its role,” Justice Bhuyan remarked sharply.

The bench has granted the Karnataka government one day to file its counter-affidavit and scheduled the next hearing for June 19. “This is exactly why the Supreme Court exists — to protect fundamental rights when they are threatened,” Justice Manmohan concluded.