matter of considerable constitutional significance recently came up before the Madras High Court, where concerns were raised about the potential impact of a feature film on the integrity of the electoral process in the State. The issue arose in the backdrop of the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, scheduled for April 2026, during which the Model Code of Conduct is already in operation to ensure neutrality and fairness in public discourse.
The case was mentioned before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy. An advocate made an urgent oral request seeking a temporary prohibition on the screening of the film “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” within the State until the conclusion of the elections. It was contended that the content of the film allegedly carries politically sensitive undertones that may influence voter perception if allowed to run in theatres during the election period. The submission emphasized that once the Model Code of Conduct is in force, any form of communication that could sway the electorate ought to be carefully scrutinized.
However, the Bench declined to entertain the request at that stage, primarily on procedural grounds. The Court pointed out that no formal writ petition had been filed seeking such relief, and an oral mention, without supporting pleadings and materials, could not be the basis for granting an order of restraint. The judges advised the counsel to file an appropriate petition in accordance with established legal procedure if the petitioner intended to pursue the matter further. The Court also took note of the fact that the film had already been released in theatres, which would have a bearing on the nature and feasibility of any interim relief.
The issue brings into focus the delicate balance between the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India and the need to preserve the sanctity of the electoral process. Cinematic works, as a form of artistic expression, are entitled to constitutional protection; however, such protection is not absolute and is subject to reasonable restrictions, particularly where public order, morality, or democratic fairness may be implicated. The argument advanced in this case attempts to extend the application of electoral neutrality principles to creative media, raising a nuanced question as to whether films with political narratives can be regulated during election periods.
At the same time, the scope of the Model Code of Conduct, which is primarily designed to regulate political actors and campaign practices, does not expressly extend to the exhibition of films unless a clear and direct connection to electoral campaigning is established. Any judicial intervention in this space would therefore require careful consideration of both statutory frameworks and constitutional guarantees, as well as demonstrable evidence that the content in question poses a real and not merely speculative risk to free and fair elections.
Notably, the film had reportedly been released shortly before the elections and had also been the subject of earlier proceedings where the Court granted interim protection against unauthorized broadcasting, reflecting judicial recognition of the rights of the creators and producers. This background further complicates the matter, as competing legal interests intellectual property rights on one hand and electoral fairness on the other come into play.
From a legal standpoint, the proceedings underscore the importance of procedural discipline in seeking urgent constitutional remedies. Courts are generally reluctant to pass orders, particularly those affecting freedom of expression, in the absence of a properly instituted petition supported by relevant facts and legal grounds. For stakeholders, including filmmakers, political actors, and legal practitioners, the development serves as a reminder of the evolving interface between media content and electoral law, and the need for a carefully calibrated approach when asserting competing constitutional claims.
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