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Supreme Court Refuses to Halt 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' Release, Says Creativity Cannot Be Curbed Over Sensitivities

The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the Odisha government's plea seeking a modification of its earlier order permitting the release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath. The court observed that creativity, art, and culture cannot be restricted simply because some people are sensitive about the depiction of deities. A bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan declined to interfere with its previous order allowing the film's release after the Rath Yatra celebrations. The bench noted that animation is a creative medium designed to engage children. During the hearing, Justice Nagarathna remarked, If such kind of sensitivity continues and people continue to file petitions, then we will have to pass orders in respect of Hindu gods and goddesses that there should be no creativity. Ramayana on television will stop. No art in any form of god and goddess. There is creativity in the country. She further observed that stories of Hindu deities have been narrated in different forms for generations and emphasized that animation is created primarily for children. There cant be ransom like this, she added. Representing the Odisha government, Advocate General Pitambar Acharya argued that the certification granted to the film could be reviewed under the applicable law. He informed the court that both the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and the state government had sought a review of the certification. Acharya also told the bench that a special screening of the film had been organized for religious leaders, temple representatives, government officials, and technical experts. According to him, objections were raised regarding the animated portrayal of Lord Jagannath and its alleged inconsistency with religious scriptures. ALSO READ: Animated Series 'The Legend of Karna' to Premiere on July 31 Clarifying the state's position, Acharya said, We are not opposed to the release. Let the government independently consider the issue under its revisional powers. Responding to the submissions, Justice Nagarathna reiterated that courts cannot judge artistic expression. Though we passed an order, if some sensibility has been affected, it is for the director to decide. The court cant sit in judgment, she said. Appearing for the film's producers, Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat opposed the state's plea, maintaining that there was nothing derogatory in the film. He also referred to the minutes of a meeting of the temple committee, which, according to him, described the animated movie as a commendable initiative. During the proceedings, Justice R Mahadevan suggested that if any concerns remained, the filmmakers could consider making appropriate corrections. Justice Nagarathna also advised the producers that if their conscience suggested that any part of the film should be removed, they could do so voluntarily. After hearing both sides, the bench stated that it was not inclined to modify the order and dismissed the Odisha government's application. Earlier, the Supreme Court had permitted the nationwide release of Mahaprabhu Jagannath on or after July 28, noting that the film is based on a web series already available on YouTube and had received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).