A day before its presumed release on April 11, the release of the biopic of PM Narendra Modi has been held from being screened by the Election Commission until the end of national elections on May 19.

Stating that any film that subserves purpose of any political entity or individual should not be displayed in the electronic media, the EC decreed the ban. As the first phase of Lok Sabha elections starts today, the order came on Wednesday, a day before the movie’s release. Citing Article 324 of the Constitution, the EC directed, “Any biopic material in the nature of biography/hagiography sub-serving the purposes of any political party or any individual entity connected to it should not be displayed in the electronic media including cinematograph during operation of the MCC.” It has been reported that any complaints on the same will be examined by a panel headed by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge.

A petition filed earlier by a Congress leader seeking the ban of the film, that alleged that the movie was designed to manipulate, influence and impress viewers and voters, has been rejected by the Supreme Court as they decided that the court was wasting too much time on “non-issues” and that it was up to the Election Commission to make any decision regarding it.