On 19th June, 2025, the Supreme Court bench of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Manmohan closed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the unofficial ban on the Tamil film Thug Life in Karnataka, after the State Government affirmed it had not imposed any such ban and assured "full protection and security" for its screening.

The bench voiced concern over the increasing tendency to obstruct artistic works in response to public protests. It emphasized that creative expressions such as films, stand-up comedy, or poetry recitals should not be halted merely because they offend certain opinions, underlining the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression against mob censorship.

The PIL was filed by Mahesh Reddy after the film, starring and co-produced by Kamal Haasan, failed to release in Karnataka amidst threats from certain groups. The protests were reportedly sparked by Haasan’s remarks claiming that Kannada was derived from Tamil.

Earlier, on 17th June, the Court had warned the State against allowing mobs to dictate terms, emphasizing that a film cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cannot be blocked due to extrajudicial pressures. In response, the State filed an affidavit pledging to ensure security for theatres willing to screen the film. The Court appreciated this stand and closed the matter, recording the State’s assurance.

However, the petitioner’s counsel, Advocate A. Velan, raised concerns that no action had been taken against those who issued threats, and the State’s affidavit lacked clarity on enforcement against hate speech and mob vigilantism. The State contended that since no official ban existed, the cited legal precedents did not apply.

During the proceedings, Justice Bhuyan strongly disapproved of the Karnataka High Court’s reported suggestion that Kamal Haasan should offer an apology for his remarks, stating that such matters did not fall within the High Court’s purview. Justice Manmohan further clarified that the Supreme Court’s involvement extended beyond the issue of the film, focusing on the broader principles of rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights.

Thug Life was released globally on 5th June, 2025, except in Karnataka. Despite seeking police protection from the Karnataka High Court, the producers were denied relief, with the Court focusing instead on the controversy surrounding Haasan’s comments. The Supreme Court’s intervention has now cleared the way for the film’s potential release in the state, provided theatres opt to screen it.

Case Details: M Mahesh Reddy v. State Of Karnataka & Ors.,W.P.(C) No. 575/2025