- (1.) This writ petition is filed by the petitioners praying for the reliefs specifically set out in the prayer portion of the writ petition. One of the reliefs that is sought for in this writ petition is to strike down the provision of Section 6 (1) of the U.P. Cinemas (Regulation) Act (hereinafter referred to as "the Act") being allegedly ultra vires to the Constitution of India. The other relief that is sought for is to quash and set aside the decisions taken by the respondents, namely State of Punjab, State of Andhra Pradesh and State of Uttar Pradesh suspending the screening of the film 'Aarakshan' in their respective States for a specified period.
(2.) Notice was issued on this writ petition making the same returnable today so as to enable the three State Governments to submit their reply/counter affidavit. However, at the stage of issuing notice itself, we were informed by the counsel appearing for the State of Punjab and Andhra Pradesh that so far as their States are concerned, they had withdrawn the order of suspension of screening of the film 'Aarakshan'.
(3.) The counsel appearing for the State of Punjab and the State of Andhra Pradesh are present in the Court. Today also they stand by the same statement which they had made on the last date, meaning thereby, that they had lifted the orders of suspension of screening of the film in their respective States. Therefore, to our understanding, the aforesaid film is being screened in the aforesaid two States also as on this date. This petition, therefore, has been rendered infructuous so far as the States of Andhra Pradesh and Punjab are concerned.;