High Court refuses to entertain Ban on ‘Dhurandhar’ ahead of Polls in Tamil Nadu

The Madras High Court refused to entertain an oral request seeking a ban on the film Dhurandhar: The Revenge during the election period in Tamil Nadu, directing the counsel to file a formal petition instead. The development comes amid the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the State Assembly elections, raising questions on the intersection of free speech and electoral neutrality.

The issue arose when a lawyer urgently mentioned the matter before a bench led by Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari, arguing that the film, featuring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, contained politically sensitive content that could influence voters. It was contended that the movie’s screening during the election period may violate the spirit of the Model Code of Conduct, and therefore should be deferred until polling concludes. However, the Court was informed that the film had already been released in theatres and that no formal plea had yet been instituted seeking such relief.

The bench declined to pass any immediate restraint, observing that it could not act in the absence of a properly instituted petition. It indicated that procedural compliance was essential before any judicial intervention could be considered, effectively stating that relief cannot be granted merely on oral submissions.

The Court directed the counsel to “file an appropriate plea and then mention the matter,” leaving the question of a possible ban open for adjudication upon formal filing.