Cuttack: Orissa high court on Wednesday stayed the July 17 release of the animated film ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’, saying its screening during Rath Yatra could disturb public order.A division bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice MS Raman passed the order on a PIL filed by Mahesh Kumar Sahu of Angul, Dr Pramod Kumar Acharya of Puri and Umashankar Acharya of Nimapada. The petition sought revocation of the film’s certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and a direction restraining its exhibition in Odisha.Issuing notice to the Union ministry of culture, CBFC and the producer, the bench directed that replies be filed before the next hearing on Aug 5. Senior advocate Manoj Mishra argued on behalf of the petitioners.The PIL alleged that the teaser released on June 6 triggered widespread opposition across Odisha, including from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), over the film’s title and portrayal of Lord Jagannath.Following the objections, the producer reportedly organised a special screening for the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri and SJTA representatives, who objected to several scenes and sought modifications to bring the film in line with Jagannath traditions and religious scriptures.According to the petitioners, despite assuring that changes would be incorporated, the producer announced the film’s release on July 17 without making substantial alterations.The producer opposed the plea, arguing that the film is a fictional work carrying an appropriate disclaimer and is protected by the constitutional guarantee of free speech under Article 19(1)(a). It also submitted that the PIL was filed at the last moment after considerable investment was already made in the project. Senior advocate Gautam Mukherjee represented the producer.The court, however, observed that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it is not absolute. “While taking shelter under the freedom of expression and/or speech as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution of India, a balance has to be created between such rights and the restrictions imposed under Article 19(2),” the bench said.Referring to the timing of the proposed release, the judges noted that the producer intended to release the film “without bringing any change as suggested” during the earlier screening before the Gajapati Maharaja and SJTA members.
