High Court on Monday directed film actors Mohan Babu and Brahmanandam to return their ‘Padma Shri’ awards to the Union Government for misusing them in the movie “Denikaina Ready”.
Mohan Babu and Brahmanandam were awarded the title in 2007 and 2009, respectively. The controversy erupted when the recipients carried the title of ‘Padma Shri’ as prefix in the credits of the controversial film ‘Denikina Ready’.
BJP leader N Indraseena Reddy filed a petition in the High Court seeking direction to the Centre recommending annulment of Padma Shri award presented to Mohan Babu and Brahmanandam for misusing them. The petitioner said as per Article 18(1) of the Constitution, National Award didn’t amount to a title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix. He also pointed out that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted certificate to ‘Denikaina Ready’ despite having the names of two actors carried ‘Padma Shri’ as prefix in the title cards.
The High Court raised objection for using ‘Padma Shri’ in title cards in a wrong way (as if it was their surname) and delivered judgment in the petitioner’s favour. This will be a lesson for the actors who misuse the honorary award. The court directed the actors to return their awards within a week and adjourned the matter for a week after ordering issue of notices. (NSS)