'Mere Conjecture': Kerala High Court Declines For Now Koodathayi Murders Accused Jolly Joseph's Plea To Halt Jio Hotstar Series 'Anali'

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (December 18) issued notice on a plea moved by Koodathayi murder accused Jollyamma Joseph @ Jolly against Jio Hotstar's Malayalam web series 'Anali'.

Jolly is accused of murdering six of her family members, including her first husband Roy Thomas, using cyanide, with the motive to take control of the family property. Her trial is under progress before the Additional District Court (Special Court for Trial for Maradu Cases), Kozhikode.

When the matter came for consideration today, Justice V.G. Arun refused to stay the release of the webseries. The judge orally remarked,

"There is nothing concrete except teaser where the story has some similarity to the issue...It has not been telecasted till date. I'm not going to stay it now. Merely surmises and conjectures...See, there is a question of artistic freedom also. Where is the complete prohibition against taking a cue from something which has really happened? How many cinemas have we come across? Right from Sukumara Kurup onwards. But then you have a case because it is pending trial. That is right. Cases are not decided based on cinemas, is it?"

The Court admitted the plea and issued notice to the respondents. It also asked Jolly's counsel to implead the central government as a party respondent. The Deputy Solicitor General of India (DSGI) took notice on behalf of Central Board of Film Certification and the Government Pleader took notice for the State.

Midhun Manuel Thomas, who is the director of the web series, is arrayed as the 5th respondent. Notice is ordered to him via special messenger.

The Court also permitted notice to be taken via email to the 1st respondent JioHotstar, which is the publisher of the series.

The case is next posted on January 15.

Case No: WP(C) 47510/ 2025

Case Title: Jollyamma Joseph @ Jolly v. Jio Hotstar and Ors.