Our federal structure limits states’ power to interfere with the screening of films. Photo: APThe upcoming film Padmaavat has found itself in the eye of a storm for some months now, having drawn bitter opposition from Rajput groups. The Supreme Court, in that case, made two important observations while lifting the suspension, which apply with equal force to the Padmaavat case. Obviously, this also means that states cannot allow for a “heckler’s veto” and point to the likelihood of mob violence to justify censorship. Karan Lahiri is an advocate practising at the Supreme Court.

Source: Mint January 23, 2018 18:22 UTC