AMN
The Uttar Pradesh government has said that release of film Padmavati could pose a law and order problem in the state.
The UP government has written to the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry, expressing the apprehension that the release of Bollywood film Padmavati on December 1 could lead to serious “law and order problems” in the State.
The Uttar Pradesh Home Department has appealed to the I&B Ministry to apprise the Central Board of Film Certification of the “public sentiments” against the alleged distortion of “facts” in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film.
The State has requested the Censor Board to decide on the certification of the film based on public sentiments, and considering the threats of disruption and violence by various groups.
In the letter, the State government has said that there is “public anger” against the “distorted manner” in which the “storyline” and “historical facts” are presented in the film. The screening of the film could lead to an “adverse impact” on peace, a government spokesperson said.
The government has submitted that its resources to maintain law and order are stretched due to the ongoing municipal elections and the Barawafat festival, on December 2, when Muslim groups actively participate in taking out processions.
Voting for the local polls is scheduled in three phases, on November 22, 26 and 29, followed by the results on December 1.
“In such an environment, if this film is screened in its trailer launch, it could lead to widespread disorder and problems could arise. The release of the film on December 1 is not in the interest of peace and order,” the U.P. Home Department, which functions under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has said.
The State government has informed the IB Ministry that some groups have asked cinemas not to screen the movie, and demanded that “distorted scenes” of Rani Padmavati be erased. They had threatened to indulge in vandalism and arson if the film was screened, the State government said.
Meanwhile, the Karni Sena, a self-proclaimed Rajput outfit leading the protest against the film, has vowed not to allow its screening.
Director-General of Police Sulkhan Singh has issued a circular to district police chiefs instructing them to take all possible measures to prevent vandalism and violence. Officers have been asked to keep anti-riot equipment ready at all cinema halls, malls and multiplexes in the State, a police spokesperson said.
Explaining the letter sent to the I&B Ministry, Mr. Adityanath said while it was not for him to decide on the certification of the film, he would “stop every act that can create a threat to law and order” in the State.
He said the government’s priority was to ensure free and fair municipal elections. For that to happen, it was necessary for the police to be focused on the task at hand rather than be distracted by law and order problems created by the release of the film.