Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroopam case to continue its proceedings, Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors’ plea rejected

The Madras High Court has refused a petition by Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors’ Association againstspy thrillerVishwaroopam saying that the court cannot interfere with the process. Actually, the Exhibitors’ Association challenged the investigative proceedings of Competition Commission of India, requested by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Film International (RKFI).

The theatre owner’s argued that Raaj Kamal Film International made a resolution to go against the screening of the film. Justice K.K. Sasidharan ordered director-general of the competition commission to check the genuineness of the resolution saying that, "The commission has only initiated proceedings under Section 26(1) of the Competition Act. The director-general is yet to take up the matter for investigation. The petitioner-association would be given sufficient opportunity to submit its case, including the contention with regard to the creation of fraudulent records The director-general is a responsible officer selected by the government."

Another petition has been filed by theatre owners association that says that they extended its support to RKFI on the directions of Chennai Police Commissioner. Justice Sasidharan commented, "There is no question of directing the commissioner to register a complaint at this point of time...Since the genuineness of the resolution, which is the basis of the complaint, would be looked into by the director-general, and thereafter by the commission." He further stated, "It is open to the petitioner-association to produce all materials before the Competition Commission of India to explain its position and defend the proceedings."