FILM EXHIBITION: DUTY OF STATE TO PROTECT PROPERTY OF CINEMA OWNERS, the state cannot restrict the exhibition, Citing law and order problem.

Justice D Y Chandrachud

The issue of safety of property of cinema owners and also the safety of the viewers was in issue before the Supreme Court of India in the case titled as "Indibility creative Private Limited and others Versus Government of West Bengal".

The police has imposed restriction on the exhibition of the movie on the premises of law and order.

In his distinguish style of writing while dealing with the constitutional principles his lordship held that it is a duty of the state to protect the property of the theatre owners, and also of the viewers safety.

It was further held that once the CBFC has issued certificate to film for screening, the state or police cannot impose ban on the screening of movie on the premises of law and order problem.

The matter pertains to the state of West Bengal in which a Bengali film exhibition was indirectly curtailed by the police; the Supreme Court has held it to be the violation of fundamental rights of the petitioners.

The petition was allowed and the cost of rupees 1,00,000 was imposed upon the respondents and also they were directed to pay the compensation of rupees 20 lacs.