New Delhi, April 26
The Supreme Court today cleared the release of Punjabi movie Sadda Haq (Our Rights) in Punjab, Chandigarh and Delhi on the recommendations of a four-member panel of senior advocates that watched it at a special screening in the court complex.

A three-member Bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir passed an order asking the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to consider revising the classification of the movie, based on the Khalistani movement in Punjab in the 1980s, from “U” (universal viewing) to “A” (restricted to adults) as recommended by the lawyers’ panel.

The Bench also asked the producers and distributors of the movie not to make use of the controversial promotional song “Baggi” in any manner whatsoever. The producers, who had approached the Supreme Court challenging the ban on the movie in Punjab, Delhi and Chandigarh, agreed to all the conditions. The movie had been banned apprehending law and order problem, but the panel did not agree with this. The apex court also said the CBFC “may” complete its formalities by April 29 as the movie was already running in other parts of the country.

Yesterday, the SC had set up the lawyers’ panel, including senior advocates Fali S Nariman and Rajeev Dhavan, to view it and submit its views. The committee, which also included Additional Solicitor General Indira Jaisingh and senior advocate Rebecca John, was unanimous in its view that no government could ban any movie certified by the CBFC. It also said there was nothing objectionable in the movie.