On the 4th of April, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea made by Aman Panwar, an Indian National Congress (INC) spokesperson, about banning the release of PM Narendra Modi, the biopic about Narendra Modi.
Headed by Justice S.A. Bobde, the Supreme Court said it will hear the case on the 8th of April. The Supreme Court finally agreed to hear the case after two High Courts refused to listen to the plea.
According to advocate A.M. Singhvi (appearing for Panwar,) the other courts refused to hear the case because they thought it wasn’t their responsibility. Singhvi and Panwar want to ask for this ban as the release of the biopic at this point could affect a free and fair election, which is a rule mandated by the Constitution of India.
“In the middle of elections, why should such a film by the people connected to the ruling party be allowed. It would affect (the) level playing field,” said Singhvi.
When Panwar approached the Indore High Court and the Mumbai High Court, the plea was rejected. The Bombay High Court said it wasn’t their place to hear the order, but was the job of the Election Commission.
Incidentally, PM Narendra Modi was initially scheduled to be released on the 5th of April, but according to social media reports, the release of the movie was rescheduled.
Looking at the uproar against the biopic from the Opposition, the Election Commission asked for comments about the biopic from the makers.
With the Lok Sabha elections coming up in a few days, the release of this biopic might just have a positive impact on the votes gained by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP.)
Starting from the 11th of April and ending on the 19th of May, the INC and the BJP are gearing up for a tough fight for the Lok Sabha elections.
The results of the Lok Sabha elections are going to be declared on the 23rd of May.
Stay tuned for more updates.
