The Supreme Court will hear an urgent appeal on July 17, 2026, against the Orissa High Court’s nationwide ban on the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath for alleged deviations from the Skanda Purana. The ban, issued late on July 15, threatens the film’s scheduled release in over 300 theaters across India.
High Court ban and filmmakers' appeal
The Orissa High Court’s interim order, passed by a Division Bench, banned the film based on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by three individuals. The petitioners objected to the portrayal of Lord Jagannath and sought cancellation of the film’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) clearance.
Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, representing the film’s producers Ele Animations, argued before Chief Justice of India Surya Kant that the High Court’s ban exceeded the PIL’s scope, which had only sought restrictions within Odisha. Kamat emphasized the film’s certification as a children’s movie and the commercial losses from a last-minute nationwide ban.
Next steps in the legal battle
The Supreme Court Bench deferred the hearing to July 17, despite Kamat’s request for an earlier session. The apex court will now examine whether the High Court’s order, which cited non-adherence to religious texts, justifies a country-wide prohibition.
The case hinges on the balance between artistic expression and religious sensitivity, with the filmmakers seeking immediate relief to avoid financial setbacks.
