M/S Prakash Jha Productions & Anr vs Union Of India & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the legality of the Uttar Pradesh Government's suspension of the film 'Aarakshan', holding that such action constituted pre-censorship, which is not within the powers of the State under Section 6(1) of the U.P. Cinemas (Regulation) Act. The Court noted that the authority to censor films lies with the Central Board of Film Certification as per The Cinematograph Act, 1952. The petition was rendered infructuous concerning the States of Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, as they lifted their suspension orders, while the challenge to the Uttar Pradesh suspension was upheld, emphasizing the violation of Article 19(1) of the Constitution.