SC declines urgent hearing on plea over threats to Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life in Karnataka

The Supreme Court on Monday declined an urgent plea by the Karnataka Theatres Association seeking protection from threats issued by fringe groups over the screening of Kamal Haasan’s Tamil film Thug Life. The top court instructed the petitioners to move the High Court instead, refusing to entertain the Article 32 petition for immediate relief.

The petitioners argued that their theatres were facing serious threats from pro-Kannada outfits after controversy erupted over Kamal Haasan’s past remarks on the Kannada language. The association claimed that even after approaching the Karnataka High Court, they were advised to strike a compromise with those issuing the threats, prompting them to move the apex court.

However, Justice PK Mishra questioned the move to bypass the High Court. “Why file an Article 32 petition here? Go to the High Court,” he said, denying early listing and redirecting the petitioners to seek relief through the proper judicial forum.

The conflict comes after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce imposed a ban on the film’s release statewide. Amid mounting protests, the film’s producers had agreed not to release the movie in Karnataka for the time being. The matter remains unresolved, with tensions continuing between film exhibitors and pro-Kannada groups.