Supreme Court Grants Release Approval for Animated Film Mahaprabhu Jagannath Post Rath Yatra

Supreme Court's Decision on Mahaprabhu Jagannath

The animated feature Mahaprabhu Jagannath has received a significant legal boost as the Supreme Court has permitted its release, albeit with a slight delay until after the ongoing Rath Yatra celebrations. This ruling follows a recent stay imposed by the Orissa High Court, which halted the film's nationwide distribution due to concerns raised by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration regarding certain portrayals of Lord Jagannath. The Supreme Court emphasized the necessity of maintaining public order during the religious festivities while also highlighting the importance of artistic expression, given that the film had already been approved by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Release Scheduled After Rath Yatra

In response to a challenge against the Orissa High Court's temporary order, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday that Mahaprabhu Jagannath can be released on or after July 28, following the conclusion of the Rath Yatra rituals. Justice B V Nagarathna remarked that the postponement was purely to ensure the festival's peaceful conclusion, stating, "It is an issue of public order. Rituals are coming to an end on the 27th. You release it after that." The court also asserted that differing opinions regarding the film should not interfere with personal faith, adding, "Your devotion is your own. If you don't like it, you ignore it. The release of the film will not affect your devotion to your God." Furthermore, the court questioned whether an animated film aimed at children could undermine religious beliefs.

The Supreme Court took into account that Mahaprabhu Jagannath had already received CBFC certification. It was noted during the hearings that the animated series that inspired the film has been available on YouTube for nearly two years without any similar objections. The court reiterated that the film could be screened any day after the festival concludes.

Concerns Surrounding the Film

The Solicitor General argued that the objections were not about the animation style but rather specific scenes depicting Lord Jagannath during a private screening for temple officials. Concerns were raised about scenes where Lord Jagannath was shown speaking and engaging in combat, which some devotees found troubling. It was contended that releasing the film during the sacred Rath Yatra could offend religious sentiments and disrupt public order.

Representing the filmmakers, senior advocate Kamat argued that Mahaprabhu Jagannath is a fictional animated work intended for children. He likened it to well-known animated films featuring Bal Ganesh and Bal Hanuman, asserting that such projects are imaginative interpretations rather than direct representations of religious texts. Kamat further argued that once the CBFC had granted certification, neither the State nor the High Court should act as a "super censor" by reevaluating its content based on morality or public order. He also pointed out that the animated series Jay Jagannath, which the film is based on, has been streaming on YouTube for nearly two years and has garnered over 100 crore views without facing similar objections. Justice Nagarathna acknowledged this but emphasized that the film should not be released during the Rath Yatra.

For context, the Orissa High Court had issued an interim order on July 15, halting the film's nationwide release just a day before its planned theatrical debut on July 17. The High Court noted that while freedom of speech and expression is constitutionally protected, it cannot be exercised in ways that offend religious sentiments or disrupt public order. The court also remarked that releasing the film during the ongoing Rath Yatra without addressing the concerns raised after a special screening for the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration would be 'counterproductive.'