Overview

• On June 17, a bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan transferred the case from the Karnataka High Court and directed the state to ensure the film’s release.
• The Supreme Court held that any film certified by the Central Board of Film Certification must be screened nationwide and condemned threats and mob intimidation.
• In a June 18 affidavit, Karnataka pledged law-and-order measures and police protection for producers, exhibitors, cast and audiences.
• Distributor Venkatesh Kamalakar announced he would not release the movie in Karnataka, citing financial losses and security concerns.
• Bengaluru police issued formal notices to pro-Kannada activists and deployed personnel outside key residences ahead of Thursday’s hearing.