NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Karnataka government to take action against those trying to block the screening of Kamal Haasan‘s film “Thug Life” in the southern state.A bench of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Manmohan said it did not want situations where someone’s sentiments are hurt by statements, leading to the film’s release being stopped, a stand-up show being cancelled, or an artist being prevented from performing.“Just because of an opinion, a movie is stopped, a stand-up comedian is stopped, a person is stopped from reciting a poem … You (state) succumbed to their pressure. In such circumstances state has a duty. Simply saying ban is imposed will take it nowhere. You are hiding behind these groups. In India, there will be no end to hurt sentiments. (A) Stand-up comedian says something, everybody is hurt, then there is vandalism. Where are we heading?” the Court remarked.The bench also directed the state to take steps to control any “divisive element” that could pose a threat to the movie’s screening.The Karnataka government filed its response before the Supreme Court over the release of Kamal Haasan’s film ‘Thug Life’ in the state.In its affidavit, the state government clarified that it has not imposed any restrictions on the film’s release and assured to provide the necessary protection and security if the producers decide to screen the movie in Karnataka.After receiving the state’s assurance, the court closed the public interest petition and said there was no need to issue any guidelines or directions.Earlier, on June 17, the Supreme Court had criticized the Karnataka government after the film was not screened in theaters and said that mobs and vigilantes cannot be allowed to control the streets.The court was hearing a plea filed by M Mahesh Reddy, who challenged the film not being screened in Karnataka.Protests had erupted in Karnataka after Haasan’s remarks, with several organisations calling for a boycott of the film.