The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear the Odisha Government’s plea seeking modification of its earlier order permitting the release of the animated feature film Mahaprabhu Jagannath after the conclusion of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra.
The matter was mentioned before a Bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan, which scheduled the case for hearing on Wednesday.
Appearing for the State of Odisha, the Advocate General raised objections to the depiction of Lord Jagannath in the animated film. During the mentioning, the law officer submitted that the deity had been portrayed “in a cartoon form,” contending that such depiction was objectionable and warranted judicial intervention.
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The State has sought modification of the Supreme Court’s earlier order that had allowed the film’s release after the completion of the Jagannath Rath Yatra. According to the Odisha Government, concerns regarding the manner in which the revered deity has been represented require reconsideration before the film is exhibited.
Taking note of the submissions, the Bench stated that it would hear the matter on Wednesday. The Court did not pass any interim directions during Tuesday’s mentioning.
The bench Stated that “will devotion for Lord Jagannath diminish if this picture is released for children? It will not”.
Justice BV Nagarathna questioned the Odisha Government’s objection to the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath, after the State argued that the deity had been depicted “in a cartoon form.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that the Temple Committee approached the CBFC with its objections. Let the CBFC decide them independently.
Justice BV Nagarathna observed that they had balanced both concerns. After the festival, the bench directed that the film be released.
The dispute concerns the release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath, which has attracted objections from the State Government over its portrayal of one of Hinduism’s most revered deities. The Supreme Court is now expected to consider whether its earlier order permitting the film’s release requires any modification in light of the State’s concerns.
Further proceedings in the matter are scheduled for tomorrow before the Bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan.
