Court dismisses petition against Modi film

NEW DELHI, Apr 09 (AFP):0 India's top court on Tuesday dismissed an appeal to delay the release of a Bollywood biopic about Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the opposition says is propaganda, until after India's mega-election.

The Supreme Court threw out the petition from the opposition Congress party, saying the biopic was not even certified yet and the matter should be considered by the election commission (EC).

Under Indian election rules now in effect, the publication of any content deemed as campaign material - including advertisements, films and even social media - requires the election commission's prior approval.

Congress says the film is flattering of Modi and has slammed the timing of its cinematic release as hundreds of millions of Indians prepare to start voting in a national election this week.