No MCC Bar on Film Releases: Madras HC Dismisses Plea Against ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Screening in Tamil Nadu

The Madras High Court has rejected two writ petitions requesting a temporary stay on the screening of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge in Tamil Nadu theatres, flagging that it might violate the Model Code of Conduct (rules set by the Election Commission of India) during the time leading up to the Assembly elections.

The aforementioned decision has been announced by a bench comprising the honourable chief justice SA Dharmadhikari and justice G. Arul Murugan, on the grounds that the law does not include any such provisions to bar the release of any film in a particular area during the MCC period. The court held that it cannot intervene in the matter until the film’s certification, granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is not challenged and in the present case, the same has not been challenged by the petitioner, D. Rakesh, a resident of Madurai.

The high court held, ‘What is the law that a movie cannot be released when the Model Code of Conduct is in place?’ The CBFC has given a certificate. It is not challenged. Unless that is challenged, nothing can be done. The statutory body has permitted.” The court has asserted that it will release a detailed order in the present case later; presently it has dismissed the plea.

In the present case, the petitioner had claimed that the release of the film Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge in Tamil Nadu theatres when the Assembly elections are almost about to start in the state will contravene the spirit of the MCC, especially Chapter VII of the MCC guidelines. The provisions of the pointed-out chapter restrict the ruling party from using public funds or official media for gaining publicity that can influence voters during elections. Rakesh argued that even though the said clause discusses the “public exchequer” (government fund), its real aim is broader; it is meant to stop political parties from using mass media to indirectly promote themselves during elections.

According to the petitioner, the movie “Dhurandhar 2” has shown achievements gained by the ruling party, especially in fighting terrorism and money laundering; hence, the movie might influence people’s votes during assembly elections. Consequently, he prayed the court to direct filmmakers Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar and producer Jyoti Deshpande to stop the screening of Dhurandhar 2 in Tamil Nadu until May 04 (conclusion of assembly elections vote counting).

However, the high court in its final ruling held that it cannot release any directions regarding the halting of the film’s screening in tamil nadu, until the film’s CBFC certification is directly challenged. Further highlighted that MCC promotes none of such provisions that directly restrict film releases.