New Delhi, June 9 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant an urgent hearing on a plea filed by a Karnataka-based theatre association seeking protection against alleged threats from fringe groups over the screening of Kamal Haasan’s new film Thug Life.
A bench comprising justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan dismissed the request for immediate listing, advising the petitioners to approach the Karnataka High Court instead.
The advocate for the theatre owners informed the bench that open threats had been made by extremist groups, who allegedly warned that theatres would be “set on fire” if they screened the film.
In response, Justice Mishra curtly remarked, “Install fire extinguishers,” while reiterating that the Supreme Court would not intervene at this stage.
“Theatres are seeking protection,” the lawyer pleaded.
However, the bench remained unmoved and said, “Mentioning rejected. Go to the high court.”
The petition was filed amid mounting tension over Thug Life following a controversy sparked by Kamal Haasan’s reported remarks about the Kannada language.
The film, directed by Mani Ratnam and marking a reunion with Haasan after their 1987 classic Nayakan, was released nationwide on June 5 in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam.
However, its release in Karnataka was disrupted due to threats and protests.
Despite the concerns raised, the apex court made it clear that the matter should be addressed first by the Karnataka High Court.
