In special hearing, producer of controversial Hindi film Padmaavat — Viacom 18 Media Private limited on Friday withdrew its application that filed before the Gujarat High Court for availing adequate police protection to theaters in the State.
In fact on Thursday during the hearing of the plea the producers of the film seek a direction to the State Government to provide adequate police protection to theatres after fringe Rajput groups protested violently against the controversial film. After hearing arguments Justice J B Pardiwala deferred the hearing after the petitioner sought time till February 4, 2018 to submit additional information before the court. The Government had sought the hearing to be adjourned till Wednesday. The court agreed with the Government request. The producers of the film said in their petition that exhibitors were ready to screen the film in Gujarat but fear violence from fringe groups. The groups allege that the film distorted history and showed Queen Padmavati in objectionable manner. However, the filmmakers have denied the allegations. Padmavat released across India on January 25 after the SC stayed notifications and orders issued by BJP-led Governments in Gujarat, MP and Rajasthan prohibiting the exhibition of the film. But a few theatre owners in Gujarat have refrained from screening the film, fearing violence on their premises. Following protest in the State a day before the release of Padmavat the Gujarat Multiplex Owners Association as well as single screen theater owners decided not to release the film in the State.