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18 July 2026

Supreme Court permits release of animated film

The judgment provides context on the judicial interpretation of freedom of speech and expression regarding religious sensitivity, though it is not a landmark constitutional bench ruling.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • The Supreme Court permitted the release of the animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' after it was previously banned by the Orissa High Court.
  • The film had received prior clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
  • The Supreme Court ruled that animated fiction does not diminish religious piety, noting that devotion is an internal experience.
  • The court emphasized that fictional adaptations of religious stories are matters of imagination and do not need to strictly adhere to ancient texts like the Skanda Purana or Brahma Purana.
  • The Supreme Court set a release date of July 28, 2026, to avoid conflict with the ongoing Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra.
  • The film's makers argued that the ban infringed upon the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression.

Questions

  1. Discuss the balance between the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression and the protection of religious sentiments in the context of creative works. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Examine the role of the judiciary in reviewing decisions of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the extent to which courts should intervene in matters involving artistic interpretation of religious themes. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which body is primarily responsible for the certification of films for public exhibition in India?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-18/supreme-court-permits-release-of-animated-film