On July 17, 2026, the Supreme Court allowed the animated film ‘Mahaprabhu

Why in news

The Supreme Court allowed the release of the animated film ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’ after the Odisha government and temple trustees objected to its deviation from religious texts.

Background

The Supreme Court permitted the film's release on or after July 28, 2026, following a stay by the Odisha High Court. The film was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) but faced opposition for not strictly adhering to the Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana.

Facts for Prelims

• BodyCBFC: Central Board of Film Certification is the statutory body responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India.
• PlaceLord Jagannath Temple: Located in Puri, Odisha; famous for the annual Rath Yatra festival.
• FactThe film was scheduled for release in 300 theatres across India.
• PlaceSkanda Purana and Brahma Purana: Ancient Hindu scriptures used as the basis for religious narratives in the film.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the balance between the freedom of artistic expression and the protection of religious sentiments in the context of cinematic representations of deities.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Constitutional conflict: Balancing Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech) against potential communal sensitivities or religious sentiments.
• Judicial interpretation: The court's distinction between 'internal devotion' and 'external fiction' as a means to protect artistic liberty.
• Regulatory oversight: The role of the CBFC versus state-level executive interventions in censoring culturally sensitive content.

Keywords: Freedom of Expression · Religious Sentiments · Artistic Liberty · Judicial Review · Cultural Representation

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