High Court stays The Kerala Story 2: Do not release rights until court’s decision
The Kerala High Court has directed the makers of The Kerala Story 2 to put on hold the release rights of the film till the decision on the petitions challenging the Censor Board certification is taken. The court said the concerns raised by the petitioners were “probably genuine”.
The Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed the makers of the controversial film not to release the rights of the film until the court pronounces its verdict on the petitions challenging its certification.
Hearing the case, the High Court found that the apprehensions raised by the petitioners were “probably genuine” and asked the producers to stop the release of the rights of the film scheduled for tomorrow. “Don’t release the rights of the film tomorrow. Wait for the hearing to be completed and the court to decide on the petitions,” the bench said.
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The court also questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on the certification given to the film. The bench remarked, “You have not even given ‘A’ certificate to the film. You have given U/A.” The court further said that the producers were not willing to screen the film immediately and there was paucity of time to investigate the matter in detail.
Producers cite other films with state names in the title
The counsel appearing for CBFC gave examples and argued that many films have been made using the names of Indian states and cities. Go Goa Gone, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai And Delhi Belly To counter objections regarding the title of the film.
The producers’ lawyer argued that the film tells the story of victimized women and the petition raises broader questions beyond the content of the film. “The main question is not about the film, but whether it is a petition filed by an aggrieved party, a PIL, or something else,” the lawyer said.
“About the dignity of India, not of Kerala”
He further argued that the relief sought, issuing a writ to cancel the certification granted to the film, is legally untenable. The lawyer said, “Kerala is also a part of India. We cannot separate Kerala from India. The demand being made is unknown to law.” He said the reference to “dignity of Kerala” was constitutionally incorrect. “There is no question of ‘dignity of Kerala’; it is the dignity of India,” the court was told.
After hearing preliminary arguments from both sides, the High Court recorded the undertaking given by the producers’ counsel that they would wait for the court’s decision before proceeding with the release.
As the arguments remained inconclusive, the hearing was adjourned for the day. The matter will continue tomorrow also.
All about Kerala Story 2
Kerala Story 2 found itself here center of a fresh controversy Earlier this week, it echoed the turmoil that engulfed its predecessor. Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amritlal Shah, the film claims that young Hindu women are lured into interfaith marriages, but are assaulted, stripped of their rights and forced to convert to Islam.
The trailer also sparked intense debate attract political attentionN. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan publicly criticized the film, calling it “false propaganda” and “poisonous”. The makers had earlier revealed in an interview India Today that was the movie The film was given a U/A rating –A move challenged in a petition in the Kerala High Court.
Kerala Story 2 stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha in lead roles. This film is going to be released on 27th February.
