Supreme Court Delays Release of 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' Film Until After Rath Yatra
The Supreme Court has ruled that the animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' will only be released after the Rath Yatra, citing the need to balance law and order concerns with freedom of expression. The court's decision follows a petition from the Jagannath Temple administration challenging the film's release. The case highlights the ongoing tension between public sentiment and artistic expression, as the court seeks to ensure that the timing of the film's release does not disrupt the festival. With further hearings scheduled, the outcome remains to be seen.
| Jul 28, 2026, 16:16 IST
Supreme Court's Decision on Film Release
The Supreme Court stated on Tuesday that its prior decision to permit the release of the animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' only after the Rath Yatra was made to balance concerns regarding law and order with the fundamental right to freedom of expression. The court also agreed to list for hearing a petition filed by the Jagannath Temple administration challenging the film's release. This came a day after Chief Justice Suryakant assured the temple administration that the matter would be heard on Tuesday, although the petition was not listed for that day. The case was brought before a bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna by Odisha's Advocate General, Pitambar Acharya. This bench had previously ordered the film's release after the Rath Yatra on July 17 and is now seeking an expedited hearing on the matter.
Justice Nagarathna remarked that the court had thoughtfully postponed the film's release until after the festival, considering the sentiments of the public. The bench emphasized that the decision to allow the film's release post-Rath Yatra was made to maintain balance, acknowledging the emotional aspects related to law and order. Therefore, the release was scheduled for after the festival. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Odisha government, informed the court that the temple administration had approached the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on July 25, requesting the cancellation of the certification granted to the film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath.'
Mehta further stated that even if the CBFC needed to make a decision, it could not do so as the court had already ordered the film's release. Acharya informed the bench that a petition challenging the film's content is pending in the Odisha High Court, which is set to hear the case on August 5. He clarified that the temple administration merely sought to confirm that the Supreme Court's order from July 17 pertained solely to the timing of the film's release and did not address the merits of the challenge. He urged the court to allow the High Court to decide on the pending petition.