In a move which matches the Karnataka Hate Speech Bill the producers of the Kannada Movie “45” directed by Mr Arjun Janya with actors such as Shivarajkumar and Sudeep has released a notification that it has obtained an interim order from a court that whoever passes a negative remark or rating of the movie may be arrested.
Initially the movie made news about a statement given by Mr Sudeep on “Piracy” but now the crew seems to have moved a court and obtained a restraining order which is meant to create a chilling effect and curb comments on the Film. ..similar to the Karnataka Hate speech legislation brought by the Congress Government.
Request all free speech activists to take note and work for remedying the situation.
Refer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoYuG7SOCJE&t=466s
- Protection Against Negative Content: The notice states that a court has issued a restraining order preventing individuals, organizations, social media accounts, or channels from publishing “defamatory, derogatory, or negative propaganda,” including negative ratings and malicious reviews.
- Removal of Existing Content: The court directed that any such content already published must be removed or deactivated immediately.
- Warning of Legal Action: The film’s team warned that violators could face civil and criminal legal action, including FIRs and potential arrest for contempt of court.
- Anti-Piracy Measures: The notice also emphasizes strict action against piracy, specifically the unauthorized recording or distribution of the film’s HD prints.
The notification goes beyond the concept of “Defamation” where any malicious speech can be dragged to the Court for trial. But a “Blanket Threat” that a person may be arrested is an attempt to curb free speech.
The Court was completely wrong in giving such an order and it should be withdrawn forthwith. A criticism on the art saying that the movie is not good or acting is not good cannot be considered as “Defamation”.
The Karnataka High Court should take suomoto cognizance of the public notice issued by the producer as an open challenge against the Right to Freedom of Speech and scrap the order of the lower court.
Legal action should also be initiated against the film producer for holding out such an illegal threat.
Naavi
