SC rejects plea to block 'Padmavati' release

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea seeking to restrain the release of controversial film "Padmavati", saying that that it is premature and would amount to pre-judging the matter.

The reaction of a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra came after it was told that the Central Board of Film Certification has yet to clear the film.

"'Padmavati' has not yet received certification from CBFC. In view of this, our interference will tantamount to pre-judging the matter. We don't intend to do so," the court said in its order, rejecting the plea to block the release of the movie.

The court order came on a plea by advocate M.L. Sharma, seeking to block the release of the film, till objectionable scenes were deleted. He also sought institution of criminal case against Bhansali.

"Padmavati" is mired in controversy over conjectures that it "distorts facts" about Rajput queen Padmavati.