Filmmakers say the state government does not have the power to ban a film that has been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification for public viewing.
Posted on – Wed, 10 May 23 at 01:43pm
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted a review on Friday of the makers of “Kerala Story”‘s plea against the West Bengal government’s order banning the screening of the controversial film.
Senior counsel Harish Salve, who represented the filmmaker, referred to the matter before the bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and comprising Justice PS Narasimha.
Salve sought to urgently list the petition, saying: “We are losing money every day, and now we have another state saying it will do the same.”
The bench said it would list the matter on Friday, adding that “a copy was served in West Bengal”.
Filmmakers say the state government does not have the power to ban a film that has been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification for public viewing.
The filmmakers claimed the state government could not stop screenings of the film on the grounds of law and order concerns.
This, they argued, would result in a violation of their fundamental rights.
On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a ban on screenings of “The Kerala Story” across the state.
She also directed West Bengal Chief Secretary HK Dwivedi to take necessary steps in this regard.
The petitioners also argue that the film faces a “shadow” ban in Tamil Nadu given the decision not to screen it.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the plea against the Kerala High Court’s refusal to stay the film on May 15.
This is the fourth time the Supreme Court has considered a film-related defense.
Senior counsel Kapil Sibal filed an urgent hearing request before a judge on behalf of the petitioners.
The request challenges the High Court’s May 5 order denying any relief, saying there is nothing in the film that offends Islam or Muslims.
