PM Narendra Modi biopic row: SC dismisses plea seeking stay on Vivek Oberoi starrer film; says EC should take call

In a big boost to the filmmakers, the Supreme Court on Tuesday scrapped the plea seeking a stay on the release of Vivek Oberoi starrer biopic film ‘PM Narendra Modi’ on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The film that was earlier scheduled to release on April 5, is likely to hit the silver screen on April 11.

The top court said the Election Commission is an appropriate forum to decide if the movie violates Model Code of Conduct. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said the plea seeking a stay on the ban is “premature” as the movie has not yet been certified by the Censor Board.

“We, therefore, do not consider it fit to entertain the petition,” a bench also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Jain said. Justice Deepak Gupta also added that even if the movie is released, the petitioner can move ahead to seek redressal from the Election Commission.

The plea seeking a stay on the film release was filed by Congress activist Aman Panwar, calling it a violation of poll code ahead of Lok Sabha elections. He sought deferment of the release of the biopic till the completion of the national polls.

The film ‘PM Narendra Modi’ is a biopic film on Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed by Omung Kumar, starring Vivek Oberoi.