Journalist Moves Madras High Court Seeking Ban On 'The Kerala Story' Movie

A chennai based journalist has approached the Madras High Court seeking a ban on the release of "The Kerala Story" movie.

BR Aravindakshan has filed the petition after sending complaints to the Central Board of Film Certification regarding the baseless allegations made in the teaser of the movie.

In his petition, Aravindakshan submits that the movie is an intentional attempt to portray the State of Kerala as a terrorist-supporting state. He also submits that if the movie is allowed to be released, it'll be a humiliation to the entire country as it'll create an impression that India is a country which produces terrorists.

He further submits that the movie might also create feelings against a particular community living in India and will affect the country's sovereignty and unity causing disturbance to the public order.

Aravindakshan also submits that the teaser of the movie is showing distorted facts using baseless figures. He also states that the teaser of the movie has been released without obtaining any prior permission from the Central Board of Film Certification which itself is a violation of law. He also contends that the film is unfit for certification under Section 5(b) of the Cinematography Act which prevents certification if any part of the movie is found to be against the sovereignty, security and integrity of the State.

He further submits that even though he had sent representations to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and The Secretary of Ministry of home affairs, the same has not been considered. Thus, he has approached the court to direct the ministry to consider his representation and check the veracity of the contents in the film.

The Supreme Court earlier refused to entertain similar petitions against the movie and granted the petitioners liberty to approach the Kerala High Court where similar petitions are under consideration.

Case Title: BR Aravindakshan v. Union of India and others