Authority: Supreme Court of India (Civil Appellate Jurisdiction)
Order Date: 17 July 2026
Case Overview
- Appeal No. (SLP(C) No. 23905/2026) filed by ELE ANIMATIONS PVT. LTD. against Mahesh Kumar Sahu & others, arising from the High Court of Orissa judgment dated 15‑07‑2026 in WP(C) No. 21986/2026.
- Respondents include Mahesh Kumar Sahu, other writ petitioners, the State of Odisha (respondent No.4), and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC, respondent No.7).
- The High Court interim order prohibited the appellant from releasing the animated film titled "Mahaprabhu Jagannath" on 17‑07‑2026 and thereafter without court leave.
- CBFC had granted exhibition certification after evaluating the film against relevant parameters.
- The Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra festival commenced on 16‑07‑2026 and will continue until 27‑07‑2026, a period considered sensitive for public order.
- Counsel for the appellant: Senior Counsel Sri Devadatt Kamat; for the State of Odisha (respondent No.4 & 5): Solicitor General Sri Tushar Mehta; for respondents No.1‑3 (writ petitioners): Senior Counsels Sri Dama Seshadri Naidu and Sri Nachiketa Joshi, among others.
Final Outcome
- The Supreme Court granted leave to appeal and disposed of the civil appeal in accordance with the signed order.
- The Court permitted ELE ANIMATIONS PVT. LTD. to exhibit the film "Mahaprabhu Jagannath" on or after 28‑07‑2026, i.e., after the conclusion of the Rath Yatra festivities.
- All pending applications, if any, are stood disposed of.
Topics: Film Release, Cultural Festival, Legal Order