Kerala High Court witnessed the censorship dispute between Kerala in the state of Kerala Vs. Kerala
The Kerala High Court may have seen Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parmeswaran’s ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala’ on 5 July. The Censor Board of Film Certification demanded a change in the title of the film on objections for the use of Janaki as it refers to Sita.
In short
- Kerala High Court to see ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala’ on 5 July
- CBFC sought title change on depiction of sexual harassment victim
- The petitioners argued that Janaki is a fighter for justice and not the accused
The Kerala High Court is scheduled to watch the Malayalam film ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala’ on 7 July in Lal Media in Palravatom, Kerala on 7 July. The decision came amid the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and controversies related to his demand for title change. The film’s production company, Cosmos Entertainment, has filed a petition for the court review.
The CBFC’s Amendment Committee has requested changes, citing concerns on the depiction of Janaki as a victim of sexual harassment and a reference to Goddess Sita. The board argued that this illustration requires a title change, it suggests that it is “a challenge for the freedom of creative expression”. The film’s lawyer says that the public is “a fighter for justice”, which challenges the board’s stance.
Justice N. Nagresh, who will watch the film with the petitioner and representatives of both CBFCs. In a report by Hindu“Looking at the allegations in the petitions, I believe it is appropriate to watch the film before reaching a decision,” he said.
The petitioner’s counsel exposed an alleged incompatibility, given that the same board also issued a censor certificate to a film called ‘Janaki Jane’. “
The court noticed that “the character is a victim who is fighting for justice, and not an accused.” The case is scheduled for hearing after its screening on 8 July. This legal battle highlights the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and regulatory inspection in Indian cinema.
As the date of hearing is the date of hearing, the court’s verdict is expected to set an example for creative functions and future cases related to censorship.
