Creativity on Hindu Deities Cannot Be Curtailed: Supreme

The Odisha government filed a petition seeking modification of an order earlier issued by the Supreme Court permitting the release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath. But the Supreme Court has now dismissed the plea, stating that creativity, art and culture could not be curtailed merely because a few people were sensitive about the depiction of deities.

The court clearly confirmed that it cannot interfere with its previous order allowing the film’s release after the Rath Yatra festivities. The bench of Justices also opined that the film, especially in the animated format, was a form of creativity meant to engage children.

“If such kind of sensitivity continues and people continue to file petitions, then we will have to pass orders in respect of Hindu gods and goddesses that there should be no creativity. Ramayana on television will stop. No art in any form of god and goddess. There is creativity in the country,” Justice Nagarathna said during the hearing.

The government claimed that the certificate granted to the film was revisable under the relevant law and pointed out that the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and the state government had sought a review.

“We are not opposed to the release. Let the government independently consider the issue under its revisional powers,” the advocate for the government argued.

Additionally, Justice Mahadevan suggested that if any concerns remained, the producers could consider making corrections. The court earlier permitted the all-India release of the film on or after July 28. The film which was based on a web series was already available on YouTube and had received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification.