SC clears deck for release of children's animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath'; says it cannot interfere with art and creativity

Parmod KumarNew Delhi, July 29 -- Clearing the deck for the release of the children's animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said that it could not sit in judgment over art and creativity as it refused to modify its July 17 order permitting ElE Animation Private Limited, the producer of the film, to release it across the country on or after July 28, 2026, a day after the conclusion of the 12-day-long Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra and the rituals connected therewith.

The annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, which commenced on July 16, concluded on July 27, 2026.

Dismissing the applications seeking modification of its July 17 order, filed by the Odisha government and the Chief Administrator of the Lord Jagannath Temple,...