Thread by @barandbench

#SupremeCourt bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud to hear plea by Filmmaker Leena Manimekalai seeking protection in the multiple cases registered against her for depicting Hindu Goddess Kaali smoking a cigarette in a poster of her upcoming film @LeenaManimekali #KaaliPoster

Adv Kamini Jaiswal appears @LeenaManimekali #KaaliPoster

Jaiswal: the petitioner film maker is a leading Tamil Poet and film maker, her work has been awarded and recognised. @LeenaManimekali #KaaliPoster

CJI: Where are the FIRs?

Jaiswal: MP, UP, Uttarakhand, Delhi ...

CJI: There are six, we are told there are many more @LeenaManimekali #KaaliPoster

ORDER

CJI: The ld Adv states that several FIR is against the petitioner for poster of a short film, FIRs are in UP, MP, UK, and in Delhi. As a result it is stated that petitioner is likely to be subjected to coercive proceedings in same case in different states

CJI: Ms Jaiswal also submits that there is a look out circular against petitioner and FIRs mentioned are within knowledge of petitioner. issue notice to respondent and liberty to serve central agency and standing counsel of NCT, UP, MP and UK @LeenaManimekali #KaaliPoster

BREAKING CJI: List on February 17, 2023. In the meantime no coercive steps shall be taken against petitioner either on basis of the FIRs as noted above or pursuant to any other FIR which may have been or will be lodged in relation to the same offence @LeenaManimekali #KaaliPoster

CJI: Ms Jaiswal submits that petitioner is a graduate student at York University in Canada and has made a short film on Goddess Kaali and that there is no intention to hurt religious sentiments but depict her in an inclusive sense.

We have protected you. #KaaliPoster

CJI: Multiple FIRs in several states will be a matter of serious prejudice, we issue notice to have all FIRs consolidated at one place and then the petitioner will be at liberty to file a Section 482 CrPc plea @LeenaManimekali #KaaliPoster

CJI: List on Feb 20, 2023 @LeenaManimekali #KaaliPoster