SC notice to TN govt on Dam 999 movie ban

SC notice to TN govt on Dam 999 movie ban

Dam 999

MUMBAI: After Dam 999 producer-director Sohan Roy filed a petition, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to Tamil Nadu government for lifting the ban imposed on it.

Showing the aftermath of a dam that collapses in China, the film is based on the real-life Banqiao dam disaster of 1975. The incident had triggered a conflict between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over the Mullaperiyar Dam.

Last month, the Jayalalithaa government had banned the film in the state saying that it refers to the Mullaperiyar Dam dispute and may create panic among the people of the state.

Calling the ban a "challenge" to creative people, Roy moved the Supreme Court against the ban.

"The film Dam 999 does not refer to the present Mullaperiyar dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The movie talks about dam disaster only," averred Roy.

The Apex Court then asked the Tamil Nadu government to hear the objections of Roy on 12 December and pass appropriate orders by 16 December.

Later, the state government decided to extend the suspension by six months. Then Roy had no option but to approach the Supreme Court again.

The Tamil Nadu government will have 10 days to respond to the court.