The Bombay High Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against the release of Bollywood film Jolly LLB 3, rejecting allegations that the film “mocks the judiciary” and undermines the dignity of courts. The highly anticipated courtroom drama, starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, is scheduled for theatrical release on September 19.
Petitioner’s Argument: Film Defames Judiciary
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the trailer of the film contained objectionable content, pointing specifically to a scene where judges are referred to as “Mamus.” The lawyer submitted that such a portrayal amounts to a mockery of justice and may negatively influence public perception of the judiciary.
The petition urged the Court to issue directions restraining the release of the film until objectionable parts were removed.
Court’s Response: Judges Not Affected by Satire
A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad, however, declined to entertain the petition. The Court orally observed that judges were accustomed to criticism and satire, and such portrayals did not affect their ability to deliver justice.
“We face the mocking right from day one of our judgeships. So don’t worry, we are not affected.”
With this remark, the Court dismissed the PIL, making it clear that cinematic representation and artistic freedom could not be curtailed unless there was a clear case of contempt or violation of law.
This is not the first time Jolly LLB 3 has faced legal hurdles:
• Allahabad High Court: A similar plea was dismissed earlier, with the Court finding “nothing objectionable” in the trailer or teaser that could scandalise the judiciary or legal fraternity.
• Madhya Pradesh High Court: The Court recently pulled up a lawyer who filed a petition against the film without even impleading the director or producers as parties. The matter is listed for hearing today.
• Gujarat High Court: Another petition is pending, but the Court has directed the petitioner to first peruse the Allahabad High Court’s order before pressing further.
All these petitions have raised a common contention: that the film “defames the judiciary and legal profession.”
The controversy surrounding Jolly LLB 3 once again highlights the tension between freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution and the protection of the judiciary’s dignity under contempt jurisdiction. Courts, however, have consistently leaned towards protecting artistic expression unless there is a direct and imminent threat to the administration of justice.
In its brief but significant oral remark, the Bombay High Court reaffirmed this principle by signalling that judges are not swayed by cinematic satire or parody.
Accordingly, the Bombay High Court dismissed the PIL, paving the way for the nationwide release of Jolly LLB 3 on September 19, 2025.
