Kerala High Court Issues Notice To Producers Of 'The Kerala Story 2' In Plea Challenging Certification Granted To Movie

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (19 February) issued notice to the producers of the Hindi feature film titled 'Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond' in a writ petition challenging the certification granted to the movie.Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas issued the notice. According to the petition, the grievance centres on the teaser and trailer of the film, which depict women from multiple States allegedly being lured into relationships and coerced into religious conversion. Despite the narrative spanning multiple states, the film is titled “The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond”, which the petitioner argues associates the alleged incidents of terrorism, forced conversion, and demographic conspiracy exclusively with the State of Kerala.The teaser concludes with the Hindi slogan “Ab sahenge nahin… ladenge” (“We will not tolerate it anymore… we will fight”), which the petitioner claims amounts to a call for retaliatory action and has the potential to incite communal tension.The petitioner contends that the CBFC failed to properly apply the statutory safeguards under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which bars certification of films that are against public order, decency, morality, or are likely to incite the commission of an offence.The plea also refers to litigation surrounding the first instalment of “The Kerala Story” in 2023. In proceedings before the Supreme Court, the producers had agreed to add a disclaimer clarifying that there was no authentic data supporting certain figures mentioned in the film and that it represented a fictionalised account of events.The petitioner argues that despite the controversy and judicial scrutiny faced by the earlier film, the sequel has been certified without adequate examination of its potential impact on communal harmony and regional dignity.The petitioner submits that while freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) is protected, it is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interests of public order and to prevent incitement to an offence. It is argued that the film's title and portrayal amount to prejudicial stereotyping of a regional identity, infringing the right to equality and the right to dignity and reputation.The petition alleges non-application of mind by the CBFC in granting certification without suggesting modifications, disclaimers, or reconsideration of the title.The petitioner has also invoked Sections 196 and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, contending that the content may promote disharmony between religious or regional groups.Prior to approaching the High Court, the petitioner submitted a revision petition to the Central Government under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act, seeking reconsideration of the certification and a stay on the film's exhibition until the representation is decided.However, citing the imminent release date, the petitioner argues that the statutory remedy would be rendered ineffective without interim protection from the Court.The petitioner has sought quashing of the certification granted to the film and a direction to reconsider certification in light of statutory and constitutional safeguards. It has also sought for suspension of the film's release pending disposal of the revision petition; or in the alternative, modifications including reconsideration of the title and insertion of adequate disclaimers.The matter is posted for further consideration on Tuesday. Case Title: Sreedev Namboodiri v Union of India and Ors. Case No: WP(C) 6574/ 2026Counsel for Petitioner: Maitreyi Sachidananda Hegde, Rizla K M, Deepika K Sasi

Kerala High Court Issues Notice To Producers Of 'The Kerala Story 2' In Plea Challenging Certification Granted To Movie

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