India, June 18 -- Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday urged pro-Kannada organisations to uphold peace and abide by the Supreme Court's directive allowing the screening of Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life in the state.

Responding to the apex court's order, which asked the state government to ensure that the film is released without disruption, Shivakumar said, "We should all respect the court's decision in the Kamal Haasan case. I appeal to pro-Kannada organisations not to cross the line and to maintain peace. No one should take the law into their own hands. Our state has always been known for peace."

Shivakumar's appeal came hours after the Supreme Court sought an explanation from the Karnataka government over delays a...